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Elderly Man Injured in Violent Distraction Theft in Santa Ana

Scene depicting a parking lot with an elderly man and a suspicious person, illustrating a distraction theft.

News Summary

Police in Santa Ana are on the lookout for a robbery suspect following a violent distraction theft that left an 83-year-old man injured. The elderly victim was approached by a female suspect offering assistance with groceries, during which she stole valuable gold chains worth over $4,500. The suspects fled in a white Mercedes SUV after striking the victim. Authorities are warning the community about similar thefts and urging vigilance as they continue to investigate this incident.

Santa Ana – Police are searching for a robbery suspect involved in a violent distraction theft that left an elderly man injured. This incident occurred on June 4 in a parking lot near 2100 South Bristol Street around 12:20 PM. The victim, an 83-year-old man, suffered serious injuries after the suspect stole valuable gold chains from him.

According to the Santa Ana police, the elderly man was approached by a female suspect who offered to assist him with loading his groceries. During this interaction, she stole two gold chains worth over $4,500 from his neck. Immediately following the theft, the woman fled the scene in a getaway vehicle, a white Mercedes GLS 450 SUV, which was being driven by a male accomplice.

Surveillance footage released by authorities on July 16 shows the victim attempting to prevent the SUV from escaping. However, the suspects continued to elude capture by driving away, during which they struck the victim, knocking him to the ground and running over his leg. As a result, the elderly man sustained serious injuries to his leg and lower body.

A security guard who witnessed the traumatic incident hurried to aid the victim until emergency services arrived. Police have categorized the incident as a typical “distraction theft,” a method commonly used by thieves to divert the attention of their victims while taking their possessions.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of similar thefts reported in the area, allegedly committed by individuals known as Romani travelers. Law enforcement is urging the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior that fits this pattern.

The female suspect involved in the theft is described as being between 20 and 25 years old, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, and weighing around 140 pounds. She was last seen wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans. The male accomplice has not been described in detail, but police are actively searching for both individuals.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding the case to reach out to Officer Rubalcava at 714-245-8373. Public assistance is critical in apprehending the suspects and preventing further incidents of this nature.

Distraction thefts are commonly seen in urban areas and often involve quick and manipulative tactics to target unsuspecting victims, especially the elderly. As such, community awareness and vigilance are crucial in safeguarding individuals who may be vulnerable to such crimes.

The injured victim’s recovery process is ongoing, and updates regarding his condition and any developments in the investigation will be shared by the police as they become available. Meanwhile, the community is urged to remain alert and informed to help prevent future incidents.

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Elderly Man Injured in Violent Distraction Theft in Santa Ana

STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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