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

A man accused of fatally shooting a good Samaritan trying to stop the robbery of a flower vendor appeared in court Tuesday.

Rodger Harrison III, 28, faces a count each of open murder, robbery with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.

Angel Robles, 36, was shot Thursday in the 100 block of Upland Boulevard, near Jones Boulevard and Interstate 11.

At a hearing, public defender David Lopez-Negrete said his office would represent Harrison and would request bail in a written motion. Records indicate Harrison is being held without bail.

Irene Garcia, the victim’s sister, sobbed after leaving the courtroom and said, “Thank you, Jesus!” over and over.

She explained that she was glad that the murder charge remained pending against Harrison. She was concerned because the defendant had claimed self-defense, she said.

According to an arrest report, Harrison denied stealing flowers and said Robles confronted him, sprayed him with an unknown substance and punched him. Police said they think the substance was bear mace.

Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Robert Price previously said a woman was selling flowers on a street corner when she was robbed by a man. Robles confronted the man, according to the report.

“I’m thankful to God that there’s going to be justice for my brother,” said Garcia. “He was just trying to help.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.