A man suffered broken bones when he was knocked to the ground during an attempted robbery near the corner of Villa and Hope streets Monday morning (Oct. 24), police said.
The 67-year-old Mountain View resident was carrying a plastic bag filled with items he had just bought at CVS as he walked on Villa Street toward the post office, according to Liz Wylie, a spokeswoman for the Mountain View Police Department. As he walked he heard the sound of someone running up behind him. As he began to turn he was hit hard and fell to the ground, breaking his fall with his arms and hands.
The man who knocked him down — later described to police as an Asian adult with long, black, curly hair — attempted to take the victim’s plastic bag, but it broke and the assailant fled without taking anything, Wylie said.
Hospital staff members reported the robbery when the man came in that afternoon with injuries that included a broken arm, broken finger and multiple abrasions, Wylie said.
Wylie said the suspect was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and black jeans and was running south on Hope Street. Though the victim said there were no witnesses, Wylie said anyone with information on the crime may call the department anonymously at 650-903-6344.
By Nick Veronin
By Nick Veronin
By Nick Veronin
Our society is going to hell in a handbasket. Attack an elderly man? Makes me physically ill.
While there was nothing this gentleman could possibly have done to avoid serious, unprovoked injuries, it is nonetheless important to stress that “standing up” to a robber is a foolish thing.
Also, let this be a warning to elderly folks (and others) to make certain of who is at your door when someone knocks or rings your doorbell. At least, intruders like this can be deterred. If it is not clear to you that the person is a friend or family member, please do not open the door!
Hey, 67 ain’t elderly.
Agreed! “Elderly” is mainly a state of mind though.
I will never consider myself “elderly” even though I just signed up for Medicare!
Best defense is awareness………sorry this happened to this gentleman. I hope his injuries heal quickly and that whoever is responsible is apprehended before he does more serious damage. I am surprised that the perp didn’t try to get the man’s wallet. I am curious as to what was in the bag and if the criminal knew that there was something he wanted in the bag like narcotic drugs for instance. He could have trailed the victim from the pharmacy. Just wondering why a robber would randomly try to just grab any old CVS bag.
Good points from “not elderly” – I also am just starting medicare, and still manage to play volleyball 3x a week, so not feeling elderly yet.
And the point about the perp having some knowledge of what was purchased – makes you wonder if CVS has any surveillance video which might help. Presumably the police have already figured that out.
And to “policysage” – I don’t think turning around when you hear someone running is “standing up” to a robber….just sayin’