Banning Teen Suspected of Stealing Cell Phones at Knifepoint

A teen from Banning was arrested Thursday after robbing three people he had approached under the guise of borrowing a cell phone, according to a Riverside County Sheriff’s news release.

Cedric James Saunders, 18, was booked into the Smith Correctional Facility on suspicion of robbery.

The incident was reported at 3:36 p.m. on Jan. 17 in the 800 block of Minor Street in San Jacinto. Deputies said he approached three people and borrowed a cell phone from one of them.

Sometime during that exchange, deputies said Saunders brandished a knife and robbed them. A second alleged victim also reportedly handed over his cell phone before Saunders then ran off, according to the Sheriff’s report.

Deputies found Saunders a short distance away and arrested him, deputies said.

The case is still under investigation. Deputies ask anyone with information on this incident to call Deputy Perez at the San Jacinto Police Department. (951) 654-2702.