BELLINGHAM - A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery Sunday night, Sept. 16, after he pulled a knife on a friend who wouldn't hand over his MP3 player, according to Bellingham police.

The teen and his 20-year-old friend were hanging out in the 100 block of East Holly Street at 9:20 p.m., when the teen asked to use the portable music device; a police report didn't identify the brand or model.

His friend wouldn't let him have it. The suspect said he was going to hurt him if he didn't give it to him, then pulled out a 6- to 8-inch folding knife and repeated the threat, said Bellingham police spokesman Mark Young.

The victim ran to the 400 block of East Holly Street and called police from a payphone. He gave the teen's name and described his clothes. Moments later police found the teen on Railroad Avenue near East Holly, about a block from the alleged confrontation.

The boy, who is "well known to law enforcement," was booked into juvenile detention, said Young.

The teen's name was not released.

Reach CALEB HUTTON at caleb.hutton@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2276.