ST. CLAIR SHORES,, Mich. – St. Clair Shores police are looking for a man who shoved and robbed an 85-year-old woman in a Walgreens parking lot.
“He was so strong,” said 85 year old Maria. “At my age, I’m lucky I didn’t die.”
It was just after noon on Sept. 21 when an 85 year old woman of St. Clair Shores was leaving the Walgreens at 8 mile and Harper. As she was walking to her car, police say the suspect, a white male, approached her and asked if he could use her cellphone.
She originally stated yes, but then remembered she did not bring it with her.
“I told him he could go inside and use their phone,” said 85 year old Maria. “That’s when he grabbed the purse off my shoulder and shoved me to the ground.”
According to the police report Maria had just gone to Comerica Bank and had $370 cash in her wallet along with her driver license, and Social Security card.
“Obviously he’s desperate and he’s going to do it again,” said Detective Gordon Carrier of St. Clair Shores police. “Next time he could go after your grandmother, mother or some ones wife.
Surveillance video shows the suspect walk into the store, grab a shopping basket. Detective Carrier said the suspect saw an opportunity when he saw Maria at the counter with cash.
“Once Maria left the store, he circled back and followed her to her car,” said Det. Carrier.
Maria walked away with only bumps and bruises on her knees but is hopeful he will get caught.
“I forgive him,” said Maria. “I’m a Christian, I forgive him he clearly needed the money more than me.”
Walgreens employees told SCS police they recognized the man from previous retail fraud attempts.
The suspect was described as a white male, 6'2, thin build and was wearing a dark green t-shirt and khaki shorts. He also had on white tennis shoes, and a dark green hat with white writing on it.
If you have any information call St. Clair Shores police.