BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — A local flower vendor was beaten and robbed of his money Sunday night. Monday the suspect is still outstanding. 23ABC's Bayan Wang traveled to that location where several residents hope to see that street vendor again to show their support.
It's a common sight to see off Olive and Knudsen drives in Bakersfield: a street vendor selling flowers. But on Sunday night things turned violent. The vendor, who 23ABC was not able to speak with, was held at knifepoint and was forced to hand over more than $300 according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
"That's a bad thing man, people are out here trying to make a living because of the pandemic," said Anthony Ware, a resident who lives near the scene. "He's still taking a chance and it gets bad that he got robbed doing his job."
Ware feels for the victim, who was located at a 7-11 store with a bloody nose, but with no stab wounds after the incident.
The vendor is also known to many who drive past this intersection frequently.
Alisha Tellez said she saw the flower vendor just minutes before he was robbed and is now hoping for justice for the victim.
"I was going to lunch and I had just seen him. He was happy on the phone smiling and it's just been minutes. And if I would have seen it, who knows what I would have done to help him. But I hope somebody helps in catching that guy."
The suspect is described as a man in his mid-20s with blonde hair, wearing a gray beanie, white sweater, and black mask. Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to call KCSO at 661-861-3110.
