92-year-old woman robbed in Northwest Dallas
The robbery of a 92-year-old woman in Northwest Dallas is one of many recent crimes in that area of stores.
The elderly woman ended up in the hospital after police say a man hurt her while stealing her purse. People who work in the area say it's really become a hot spot for crimes of opportunity.
Less than 48 hours after the bold attack, Dallas police parked a mobile command unit in the parking lot. Employees and customers say the added police presence is greatly needed.
“Looked completely normal and next thing you know, they pull out a backpack, stuff it with as many shoes as they can and run out with sensors on them and everything,” said Famous Footwear Employee Tiandra Boldon.
She says the ‘grab-and-go’s’ happen at least once a week. In the past couple of months, Boldon and customers who frequent the busy plaza located off Forest Lane have seen a dramatic increase in crimes of opportunity.
“There’s been a lot of crimes at the various shopping centers,” said shopper Erika Orbin. “So it's sort of scary since we all live nearby with this happening.”
The latest incident happened on Wednesday in the middle of the afternoon. That's when cops say a man attacked a 92-year-old as she walked across the parking lot towards the Tom Thumb Grocery Store.
“The police came and I wondered what was happening,” said Boldon. “And they told me that a woman had just got mugged.”
According to Dallas police, the suspect rode up on a bicycle and snatched the purse from the woman's arm. The force was so strong, it knocked the senior citizen to the ground.
Shopper Sharon Staley didn’t see the attack but heard about it, prompting her to change the way she shops.
“I carry a little pocket card case and keep it in my pocket with cash or credit card or whatever I'm gonna use and not carry a purse,” she said.
Boldon, who often works alone, thinks that's a smart move.
“You come and you think that you’re safe going to shop, and it seems like a pretty nice environment too,” she said. “And then someone on a bicycle just comes and mugs you. It’s so sad, and I hope she's ok.”
The 92-year-old woman’s son says she is still in the hospital after suffering a hip injury but is improving