Newport robbery victim chases thief, retrieves cellphone

A robber struck up a conversation with a man and even asked to try on his hat before grabbing his cellphone and jacket and bolting on Sunday morning in Newport Beach, according to police.

The victim chased the robber along 15th Street and the two scuffled near Old Newport Boulevard, said Newport Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella.

Eventually the victim got his phone back, although the thief got away with the hat and jacket, which were worth about $145, police said.

The incident started about 11 a.m. in the 500 block of 15th Street when the thief walked up to the man and started talking with him, Manzella said.

“When asked, the victim allowed the suspect to try on his hat,” Manzella said. “When the victim took out his iPhone to read a text message, the suspect grabbed the phone and the victim’s jacket, which had been on the ground nearby.”

When the victim tried to stop him, the robber threw a punch and ran, according to police.

Manzella said the victim suffered scraped hands, elbows and knees during the ensuing struggle, and the phone’s screen was cracked.

Officers searched the area but couldn’t find a suspect. A detailed description of the robber was unavailable.

--Jeremiah Dobruck