Police are asking for the public's help in identifying and locating a man who assaulted and robbed an elderly woman in the Bronx late Friday night.
The attack, which left the 78-year-old woman with bruises and swelling to her leg and hip, was caught on surveillance video.
The victim and her 81-year-old husband were walking in the area of Arthur Avenue and East 188th Street at about 11:30 p.m after attending their granddaughter's dance recital at Fordham University, according to officials.
A man approached the woman from behind, yanked her purse from her and threw her to the ground, said police. He ran from the scene amid screaming and yelling from witnesses.
The victim's husband chased the robber a short distance but was unable to catch him.
"I just ran without thinking about anything," said the feisty 81-year-old who asked not to be identified. "I was just hoping we can catch up to this robber or whatever the hell he was. I was kind of pretty much mad... I guess he must know the neighborhood well because he kind of disappeared."
The victim said she was shocked that a crime like that would happen on Authur Avenue and wished her husband didn't give chase.
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"I would have never told him to run because it wasn’t worth it. I just want to forget about it," said the elderly victim. "I just hope they catch him so that he doesn’t have to hurt somebody else."
The suspect is described as a black male, about 18 to 23 years old, and about 5'11" to 6'1" with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and a black jacket with multi-colored embroidery on the back.
Police say they are following several leads in their investigation but are asking anyone who may locate the suspect in the video to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (8477) or at nypdcrimestoppers.com. Tips may also be texted to CRIMES (274637) with "TIP577" in the message.
