Elderly Man Robbed At Gunpoint In Front Yard

STOCKTON, Calif. (CBS13) -- A gun-wielding suspect robbed an elderly man at gunpoint while he was tending to chores in front of his home, authorities said.

The 89-year-old victim was taking out the trash when the suspect, described as a black male in his 20s, snuck up behind him with a gun at about 9:30 a.m. Monday.

Neighbors said the suspect searched the victim's home quietly while the house was empty and then attacked the older man when he couldn't get into the safe.

Authorities said the suspect struck the victim, knocking him to the ground, and demanded the combination. The grandfather was unable to remember the combination due to the stress of the moment and the thief hauled the safe to a nearby getaway car and sped away.

The broad daylight robbery shocked residents in the senior citizens community, who said they believe the man was targeted because of his age.

"I think they think we are easy prey," said neighbor Dixie Holleman.

Burglars have struck in the neighborhood before, and most residents have alarm systems and barred windows, but the gunpoint assault came as a jolt to neighbors.

Police said the getaway car was described as a blue Buick-style car, but investigators have few other leads.