Rock Hill robbery suspect offered ride to victim before pulling gun, police say

A Rock Hill teenager was charged Monday with robbing and assaulting a man to whom he offered a ride, according to police.

Rakim Jakaree Allah, 18, was charged with armed robbery and criminal conspiracy, according to a police report. He was placed in the Rock Hill city jail, where he remained Tuesday under $35,000 bond.

The robbery happened around 11:20 p.m. Thursday. The victim, who was intoxicated when he spoke with officers, told police he was walking on Walnut Street when a man in a black Honda sedan pulled up next to him and asked if he had any cigarettes.

The victim told the suspect he only had one, and the suspect, identified as Allah, asked the victim if he wanted to ride to the store and get more cigarettes, police said. The victim agreed and got into the back seat. Inside the car, Allah reportedly turned around and pointed a pistol at the victim’s head.

Allah repeatedly hit the victim in the head with the pistol, telling him not to look up, police said. The victim surrendered his wallet and “begged for his life,” at which point he was able to get out of the car and call police. The black Honda took off on Chestnut Street traveling toward Saluda Street.

The victim said he was “familiar” with the suspect but could not provide a name.

This story was originally published August 2, 2016 at 10:49 AM with the headline "Rock Hill robbery suspect offered ride to victim before pulling gun, police say."