Man hit with skateboard, then is robbed of wallet

One man was beaten and robbed and another was arrested early yesterday after getting into an argument inside a gas station.

When officers arrived at the Arco station on University near La Mesa Boulevard at 2:30 a.m. they found the 45-year-old victim, who was bleeding from the head and face, La Mesa police said.

He told them he was knocked to the ground by a man who hit him on the head with a skateboard. The attacker then hit the victim several times in the face with his fist, went through the victim's pockets, stole his wallet and fled, the victim told police.

A second man also took part in the fight and punched the victim in the face, police said.

Police said a 21-year-old suspect was arrested a short time later on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and robbery; the victim declined to press charges against the second man.