MANHATTAN BEACH, CA – A 35-year-old woman was apprehended following an unusual robbery at a Manhattan Beach convenience store, where she allegedly brandished a makeshift flamethrower. The incident occurred in the early hours of Nov. 12 at a 7-Eleven on Artesia Road.

The Manhattan Beach Police Department reported that officers responded to the scene around 3:20 a.m. following a 911 call. Upon arrival, they learned that the suspect had approached the store clerk with an aerosol can and a lighter, using the combination to ignite flames several times. The clerk was threatened with the fire as the woman stole between $10 to $15 worth of merchandise before fleeing on foot. Fortunately, the store employee was unharmed during the encounter.

Surveillance cameras at the 7-Eleven captured clear images of the suspect, aiding police in the search for the woman. They disseminated her photo to nearby law enforcement agencies, which eventually led to her identification and arrest. The suspect, Kimberly Nation, was located and taken into custody later that same morning, thanks to a joint effort by a detective and an officer from the Homeless Liaison/Mental Health Evaluation Team.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has since filed charges of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon against Nation. She remains in custody at the Los Angeles County Jail with a bond set at $75,000.

This incident is not Nation’s first run-in with the law; jail records indicate she has been incarcerated at the facility no fewer than twelve times over the past two years. Her most recent arrests this year took place on multiple occasions, though details surrounding those charges remain undisclosed.

Authorities have not yet provided further insight into the motive behind Nation’s actions, nor whether other factors, such as her mental health status, played a role in the crime. Meanwhile, local residents have expressed concern over the boldness of the crime and the apparent ease with which the suspect operated.

The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by the police to address crime in the area while emphasizing community safety. As the investigation continues, police encourage anyone with additional information about the incident or Nation’s previous activities to come forward.

Police authorities remain vigilant, working not only to solve cases like these but also to prevent future occurrences. In the wake of this incident, Manhattan Beach residents are reminded to stay alert and report any suspicious activities.