Police: Man With Knife Threatened to Kill Elderly Woman at Walmart

Bradenton Police are searching for a man accused of robbing an elderly woman at knifepoint and threatening to kill her in a Walmart parking lot, authorities said Thursday.

The 82-year-old victim was loading groceries into her car in the parking lot of Walmart, 5315 Cortez Rd. W., around 8:35 p.m. Wednesday when the suspect threatened her with a knife, stating, "Give me your purse, or I'll kill you," according to a police spokesperson.

After the woman handed over her purse, the man ran into an awaiting vehicle and took off, police said. The woman did not require medical attention.

The suspect is described as a black man between 21 and 30 years old, between 5-foot and 5-foot-5 and 135 to 150 pounds. He was wearing a purple shirt with unknown white lettering, black shorts with a red stripe down the sides and black shoes at the time of the incident. The getaway vehicle was described as a white, four-door sedan of an unknown make and model.

A security video image released Thursday by police shows the alleged suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bradenton Police Detective Jeff Beckley at 941-932-9328, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 by callilng Crime Stoppers (toll free) at 866-634-8477 (TIPS) or sending an anonymous E-Tip at www.manateecrimestoppers.com.

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