Police Release Picture, Video Of Suspect In Attack On Woman, 73
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Santa Ana police hope video and a picture will help catch a purse snatcher who robbed a 73-year-old woman in a drugstore parking lot.
The robbery happened about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the CVS parking lot at 3911 S. Bristol St., according to Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.
The woman, Patricia Gumper, depends on a walker to get around. She had just stepped out of her car when she was approached by the suspect, who offered to repair scratches on her car.
The woman assured him her husband would take care of it and tried to get away, but the suspect quickly became violent.
"He jumped out of his car, grabbed my purse," said Gumper.
Security video shows the man throwing Gumper to the ground.
Gumper suffered cuts and bruises.
The thief drove off in a white vehicle with Gumper's purse, which included credit cards and $600 in cash. Gumper had been saving the money for an anniversary getaway with her husband.
About 90 minutes later, police say the thief used Gumper's credit cards in Yorba Linda. Store security cameras there captured his image; a white male about 24, 5-foot-7, clean shaved, with brown hair.
Police think he may have targeted others before he attacked Patricia Gumper.
"I would like him to come to the realization, to have his heart change, to know that God loves him," Gumper said.
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