VENTURA : Man on Skateboard Beaten by Robbers

A 22-year-old man who tried to escape robbers by having his dog tow him on a skateboard was caught, beaten and robbed, authorities said.

Derrick Wayne Morris was treated at Ventura County Medical Center and released, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Morris told police that he was using the automated teller machine at the Bank of America at Borchard Drive and Main Street in Ventura when he saw three men about 20 years old looking at him from the corner of the building, Ventura Police Officer Sue Monk said.

Morris put his money in his pocket and hopped on his skateboard. He held onto his dog’s leash and had the dog pull him, Monk said.

As Morris traveled south on Borchard, he was chased by two of the men, Monk said. Morris fell off the skateboard and was overcome by the men, she said.

They beat him with a small club and stole his wallet, she said.

When a passerby approached, the robbers ran to a car that driven by the third man, Monk said.

The investigation is continuing.