Robbery Suspect Repelled by Man with High-Pressure Hose

A suspect who allegedly tried to rob a car wash customer in Temecula Monday got a face full of water when the victim turned a high-pressure hose on him, sending the man fleeing just prior to his arrest.The victim summoned deputies, who searched the area,High Temperature Hose allegedly locating Roth's wet clothes and a replica handgun inside a backpack hidden inside a nearby Denny's restaurant, sheriff's officials said.

Steven Roth of Lake Elsinore was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, brandishing an imitation firearm during a felony and probation violations after the botched robbery at a coin-operated car wash in the 41900 block of Moreno Road, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.Roth was spotted at a convenience store across the street,Tank Truck Hose purchasing cigarettes, and was detained so the victim could be brought over to identify him, which he did -- positively, according to the sheriff's department.

A man using one of the wash bays told deputies the suspect allegedly ran up to him and flashed what appeared to be a semiautomatic pistol, demanding that the victim relinquish his wallet."The victim immediately reacted by spraying Roth in the face with the high-pressure water hose being used to clean his vehicle," according to a sheriff's statement. "The victim then ran around his vehicle in an attempt to avoid being shot. Suspect Roth immediately turned away from the hose and fled on foot."