The Ithaca Police Department reports that an 88-year-old woman was walking home from church when someone grabbed her purse from behind.
The woman struggled with her attacker until the attacker pushed her to the ground. The strap of the purse broke and the attacker took the purse, jumped into a vehicle and fled the scene. That vehicle was last seen driving north on S. Geneva St., turning left onto W. Green St., driving the wrong way on a one way street.
Officers say witnesses rushed to the aid of the elderly woman. An officer — who happened to be at the scene saw the elderly woman on the ground with people around her — causing him to stop and assist.
They’re asking for anyone with information related to the crime or the vehicle that was seen leaving the scene to contact the Ithaca Police Department at (607) 697-0333.
The suspects have been described as the following:
– A heavy set African American female, possibly in her 30s — wearing light colored clothing; and
– An African American male, driving the suspect from the scene.
The vehicle was described as the following:
– A small sedan or SUV, gray or white in color.
This story will be updated as IPD provides additional updates.
