Teen Targets 73-Year-Old Woman In Purse-Snatching

STOCKTON (CBS13) -- A 73-year-old woman was attacked in a Stockton grocery store parking lot Tuesday and had to be hospitalized when a teenager tried to steal her purse, police said.

The woman was feet from the S-Mart Foods entrance at 3233 West Hammer Lane, headed to her car, when the robber went right after her purse and didn't stop there.

Police say 18-year-old Antwan Thomas tried to steal the woman's purse. She tried to hold on, but moments later the accused robber knocked the elderly woman to the ground.

"He drug her a short distance and she struck her head against a vehicle," said Officer Pete Smith of the Stockton Police Department.

With the woman's purse in hand, Thomas took off and left the senior citizen bleeding in the parking lot.

That's when a police sergeant ho happened to be the area jumped into action.

"One of our sergeants on duty was in the area and heard her screaming for help," Smith said. "He was able to get into a foot pursuit, recover the purse and take him into custody."

Shoppers couldn't believe a robber would target a woman in her golden years.

"Her age, being 73 years old and getting her head bashed, that's awful," Rich Moreno said.

"It's somebody's grandmother.It's horrible, disrespectful," said another shopper. "Why don't you pick on somebody your own size?"

Neighboring business owners like Jonathan Owens of CC Bedrock Furniture say criminals usually stay away from the popular shopping center.

"We're going to spread the word and everybody is going to look out for each other," said owner Jonathan Owens

A grocery store bagger CBS13 spoke says he'll also be more alert now.

"It's scary," David Gross said. "I'm definitely keeping my eyes peeled now. I'll be walking more senior women back to cars more."