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.
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.
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.
