Local man robbed at gunpoint

By Lori Porter Acorn Staff Writer

An evening of rock ’n’ roll turned into a night of terror for Jay Rosenberg of Oak Park after leaving the Poco concert at The Canyon in Agoura Hills last Saturday, when he was robbed at gunpoint in the parking lot of the popular nightspot. The Canyon is in Whizin’s Center, east of Kanan, between Roadside Drive and Agoura Road.

Rosenberg went to see the band Poco with a friend and said that the concert was great, but after getting hot at the fully packed house, he decided to leave early around 11:10 p.m. He quickly found himself alone in a dark parking lot.

As he was approaching the Do-It Center where his car was parked, he noticed three male Hispanics, about 20 to 25, wearing dark shirts and jeans walking behind him.

One of the three asked, "Hey, you got a cigarette?"

Rosenberg then approached the three males, and as he started to hand over a cigarette, a heavy-set male knocked it out of his hand––demanding money while using profanity. The suspect then pulled out a gun, which Rosenberg described as "big and silver," as the suspect repeated his demand for cash.

Rosenberg then noticed a fourth male who appeared suddenly and the four suspects surrounded him, shoving him against a car. He handed over all his cash, which amounted to $80.

At one point, Rosenberg felt one of the suspects grab his shirt, and he later discovered that they’d taken his gold Star of David and chain, a necklace that had sentimental and spiritual value to Rosenberg.

The suspect holding the gun repeatedly told Rosenberg not to move. Outnumbered and afraid of what the suspects might do next, Rosenberg decided to flee.

He quickly ran toward the club.

One suspect gave chase, but when he noticed that his three companions were running away in the opposite direction, he quickly disappeared.

Rosenberg immediately reported the incident to The Canyon’s security officer, who called Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station.

While waiting for deputies to arrive, The Canyon’s owner, Lance Sterling, and the security guard told Rosenberg that they’d noticed the suspects earlier and both had felt that the suspects looked "out of place."

Sgt. Ken Scheurn, who took the report, said that peace officers conducted a thorough search of the area but didn’t see anyone matching the description of the suspects.

Scheurn said it appeared to be an isolated incident–and highly unusual for Agoura Hills.

But the robbery serves as a reminder–especially for women leaving a bar or restaurant (or any other venue)–to take precautions because even safe communities aren’t crimeless.

Rosenberg, who moved to Oak Park from Chicago two years ago, has enjoyed, he said, having a local nightclub such as The Canyon nearby. He said he’s attended many concerts at The Canyon. Sterling gave him two free tickets to attend any future concert.

"I am very shaken up from this," Rosenberg said. "I feel anxious and cannot get this out of my head."

He will return to The Canyon, he said, but not for a while.