Man attacked with bat during robbery near Visalia bank

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) — Visalia police are looking for two teenagers accused of assaulting and robbing a man Monday evening.

The robbery shortly after 11 p.m. near Oak Avenue and Church Street.

Investigators say the man had only $1,000 from the Bank of America on Main Street when he was confronted by two teenagers armed with a knife and a bat.

The victim was hit with a bat, the attackers stole his money and fled.

Fortunately, police say the man did not suffer serious injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

Now, they’re sharing safety reminders for others.

“If you need to withdraw money, for example in the middle of the night, always bring someone with you and make sure you are aware of your surroundings, never go alone to do something like this” , suggested Liz Jones of Visalia police. Department.

Marc De La Cruz, owner of Vitruvian Martial Arts, says having a dog with you or using a chauffeured ATM can be safer, but he recommends avoiding them altogether at night.

“This is a time when there won’t be many witnesses and the criminals know that,” De La Cruz says.

Marc’s gym offers free self-defense classes for beginners and those who have been assaulted before.

“In today’s society, if you don’t actively learn to defend yourself, if you don’t have someone who can protect you with you, it’s a gamble,” De La Cruz said.

He also has a message for criminals who try to prey on innocent victims.

“There are more and more people training, and one day I’m sure it’s already happened and these attackers are going to come in and try to take advantage of someone they think is weak and find out that this person is actually very competent and they’re going to have their hands full and be taught a lesson,” De La Cruz explained.

If the armed robbers are arrested, they could face criminal charges.

This is an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Visalia Police Department at (559) 734-8117.

To remain anonymous, call the tip line at (559) 713-4738.

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