MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 4, 2002
1:30 P.M.
Alexandria Police Investigate Robberies Targeting the Elderly
Alexandria Police are concerned about a rash of robberies that have recently occurred targeting elderly victims between the ages of 69 to 76. Since January 23, there have been four reported street robberies where victim’s purses have been stolen. In all four cases, the suspect’s actions are very similar.
The robberies have occurred in the Delray and downtown sections of the City and all have taken place in the afternoon. The suspect description is similar in all four cases and detectives believe that one man is responsible for each of the reported robberies. The suspect is described as a black male, 18-30 years old, 5'9"-5'11", 190-200 pounds.
In each of the cases, the suspect approaches from behind and forcibly removes the victim’s purses. In two of the robberies, the suspect knocked the victims to the ground and as a result, one of the victims still remains hospitalized. This robbery occurred on January 23, at approximately 3:55 p.m. when the victim, a 76-year-old female, was walking from the Braddock Road metro stop. She was found unconscious laying on the sidewalk and her purse was missing. Detectives believe that she was robbed.
Anyone with information about any of these cases are asked to call the Criminal Investigations Sections at (703) 838-4711. For further details, please contact the Public Information Office.(end)
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