Caught on camera: Man snatches senior citizen’s purse

Author: wink news
Published: Updated:

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- Authorities need your help tracking down a young man who ran down a senior citizen, knocked her to the ground and stole her purse earlier this week.

The 68-year-old victim was walking toward the bus stop between TGI Friday’s and Bed, Bath and Beyond at the Bell Tower Shops, around 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

Video shows as the victim was nearing her destination, a young man crept up behind her and pushed her to the ground, before grabbing her purse.

The suspect then jumped into the passenger side of a car that was waiting nearby, parked in front of TGI Friday’s dumpster.

After seeing the attack, a witness followed the suspect’s vehicle from south Fort Myers, northbound on U.S. 41, headed towards the downtown Fort Myers area.

Police say the witness was able to describe the suspect is being between 5’11” and 6’2″, approximately 165 pounds, wearing a white shirt.  There were multiple people inside the getaway car, all either Hispanic or white men in their early 20s.

Authorities tell WINK News the victim did have injuries to her knees and elbows as a result of being pushed to the ground.

The victim’s purse contained her cell phone, wallet, personal identification and credit cards. Later that day, her purse and cell phone were found, but the cash and all other contents had been stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).  All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.  Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.