Suspect dies in San Leandro robbery when victim fights back

An attempted robbery just outside Heath Park in San Leandro Thursday resulted in an unusual casualty when the suspected thief died after the victim was able to snatch his knife and turn it on him, police said. An attempted robbery just outside Heath Park in San Leandro Thursday resulted in an unusual casualty when the suspected thief died after the victim was able to snatch his knife and turn it on him, police said. Photo: Avid_creative / Getty Images Photo: Avid_creative / Getty Images Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Suspect dies in San Leandro robbery when victim fights back 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

An attempted robbery in San Leandro Thursday took an unexpected turn for a bandit when the 10-inch knife he used to attack a man was turned on him causing fatal injuries, officials said.

The victim was walking just outside Heath Park on the 1200 block of 143rd Avenue around 12:40 a.m. when the assailant jumped out of the bushes and demanded his cell phone and wallet, said Lt. Ron Clark of the San Leandro Police Department.

“The victim hesitated in some way shape or form and was immediately stabbed a number of times by the suspect,” Clark said.

The victim then threw his wallet in one direction and fled in the other. But the suspect chased after him, Clark added.

The two ended up in a scuffle and the victim was able to grab the 10-inch fixed-blade knife from the suspect and stab him back in what police are calling a justifiable homicide.

Both were taken a hospital and the suspect succumbed to his injuries.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani