Woman from Northern California Robbed of Purse Near BJ’s Restaurant

A 71-year-old woman visiting from Northern California was robbed of her purse as she walked with her husband Saturday night through the Grossmont Center parking lot near , police report.

A little before 8 p.m., a man “approached the female from behind and grabbed her purse from her shoulder,” police said in a statement.

The woman’s husband and a witness called police, said Master Officer Colin Atwood. It wasn’t known whether she was headed for the restaurant or had eaten there. Her hometown may have been in the Bay Area, he said.

“The [man] was last seen on foot running eastbound in the direction of Grossmont Hospital,” said the statement. “The female complained of minor pain to her back but declined medical attention at the scene.”

Officers searched surrounding areas with help from the Sheriff Department’s ASTREA helicopter, making loudspeaker announcements, and a K-9 unit but were unable to find the assailant, described as a white man in his mid-30s, about 5 feet 8, 160 pounds, with “dirty” blonde hair, wearing a dark-colored jacket, red T-shirt and dark baggy pants.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the La Mesa Police Department at 619-667-1400.

You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line 888-580-TIPS (or sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information in this case.