Suspect in shooting death of good Samaritan trying to stop robbery appears in court

Rodger Harrison III, 28, appeared in court Tuesday on charges of open murder, robbery with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. The allegations stem from the shooting death of Angel Robles, 36, who was killed Thursday in the 100 block of Upland Boulevard near Jones Boulevard and Interstate 11 while attempting to stop a robbery of a flower vendor. At the hearing, public defender David Lopez‑Negrete said his office would represent Harrison and would file a written motion seeking bail. Jail records indicate Harrison is being held without bail. Irene Garcia, Robles’s sister, sobbed after leaving the courtroom and declared, “Thank you, Jesus!” She said she was relieved that the murder complaint against Harrison remains pending, adding that she feared the suspect’s claim of self‑defense. According to an arrest report, Harrison denied stealing flowers and stated that Robles confronted him, sprayed him with an unknown substance and punched him. Police believe the substance was bear mace. Metropolitan Police Department Lieutenant Robert Price previously said a woman was selling flowers on a street corner when she was robbed by a man. Robles confronted the man, the report noted. Garcia also told reporters, “I’m thankful to God that there’s going to be justice for my brother,” and added, “He was just trying to help.” This is simply a processing story. Check back for updates.