Police look for person who attacked 87-year-old woman at ATM

RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) -- An 87-year-old woman was viciously attacked, thrown to the ground and robbed outside a local bank. Police believe they know who is responsible.

It happened outside the Mechanic's Bank in Richmond on West Richmond Avenue. The robber is believed to be a woman who carried a dark-colored purse and who was caught on surveillance camera.

The victim is a prominent citizen in the Point Richmond neighborhood.

With no leads to go on, police are now turning to the public to help solve this case.

Police say the elderly woman was getting money at a Point Richmond ATM on July 5th, when the suspect knocked the victim to the ground and stole her cash. The 87-year-old woman's hip was broken during the robbery.

Richmond resident Jessie West arrived minutes later. She told ABC7 News, "She was lying on the ground couldn't get up and the police had been there for a while."

"It's terrible, this is someone's mother, it's someone's grandmother, someone's sister," Richmond Police Lt. Shawn Pickett said.

Police say the suspect is 25 to 30 years old. She took off in an SUV also seen in a surveillance photo, possibly a Ford Explorer. There were no witnesses to the crime, but there is plenty of outrage the community.

"For a woman 87 (to be attacked) that's really a cheap shot. To happen in this community, it's even more shocking," restaurant manager David Bromberger said.

ABC7 News has learned the victim is the wife of a prominent retired California politician, we are not revealing her name for her safety. She is recovering.

No one in town recognizes the suspect, but neighbors will be keeping out there for the suspect.

Richmond Police Anonymous Tipline: (510) 232-TIPS