Purse Thief Drags Woman From Car Outside Medical Center In Redlands

REDLANDS (CBS) — A 53-year-old woman was sitting in her car outside a busy medical center when she was subjected to a violent purse snatching.

The robbery happened at about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 200 block of Terracina Boulevard, near Redlands Community Hospital.

As Valetta Sample sat in her car the suspect opened the door, pulling her onto the ground before running off with her purse. The victim yelled for help and a nurse nearby jumped in her car to chase the suspect.

The suspect was described to police as a white man, in his 20s, about 5-feet-9-inches, with a stocky build and short brown hair.

The victim, a Yucaipa resident, has since had to cancel her credit cards and change the locks to her house and cars. She warned women to be careful.

I didn't think it would ever happen to me, and certainly not in this part of town," Sample said.

Anyone with information was asked to call Redlands police.