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Politics & Government

Suspect in MB Cigar Store Robbery Pleads Not Guilty to 3 Felony Charges

The 18-year-old man is accused of attempted murder, second-degree robbery and kidnapping for alleged actions taken in Manhattan Beach and elsewhere.

Updated to reflect that suspect has pleaded not guilty.

A Los Angeles man was charged today with attempted murder and other counts for allegedly slashing a clerk's throat during a robbery at a Manhattan Beach cigar store.

Tyler Lee Rodgers, 18, pleaded not guilty in Torrance Superior Court to one felony count each of attempted murder, second-degree robbery and kidnapping to commit another crime.

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The charges stem from a hold-up at 4:11 p.m. Aug. 16 at The Cigar and Smoke Shop at 1751 Artesia Blvd.

Rodgers allegedly pulled a shotgun from a cardboard box, forced the clerk to the back of the store and handcuffed him, took money from the cash register and slashed the clerk's throat with a knife before fleeing.

Find out what's happening in Manhattan Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The clerk underwent surgery for lacerations to his neck and was recovering.

Rodgers was arrested Aug. 24.

According to the criminal complaint, Rodgers was convicted as a juvenile of robbery in April.

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