Parolee robbed smoke shop and slashed clerk's throat, police say

Police are continuing the search Monday for a man they say robbed a Manhattan Beach smoke shop and slashed the throat of a clerk before fleeing.

Tyler Rodgers, 18, walked into a cigar shop on Artesia Boulevard on Thursday afternoon, carrying a long cardboard box, Manhattan Beach Police Department officials said. Rodgers pulled a shotgun from the box and aimed it at a clerk, police allege.

According to police, Rodgers then ordered the clerk to the back of the store and put him in handcuffs. He took money from the cash register and slashed the clerk's throat with a knife before fleeing, they said.

The clerk underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition, police said.

Police described Rodgers as 5-foot-9 in height and weighing about 135 pounds. The suspect, who is on probation for robbery, was last seen wearing a white dress shirt, a dark tie and jeans, they said.

Police said anyone with information should call Det. Michael Rosenberger at (310) 802-5127.

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-- Kate Linthicum
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