Gang Member Suspected Of Purse Snatching With Pregnant Getaway Driver, Child In Back Seat

LOMA LINDA (CBSLA.com) — A known gang member on parole for carjacking faces charges of robbery after snatching a purse from a 70-year-old woman in the parking lot of a Loma Linda Walmart, authorities said Friday.

Ross Baltierra, 23, faces charges of robbery, elder abuse, child endangerment and assault with a weapon in connection with the incident at about 6:38 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of a Walmart at Barton Road and Mountain View Avenue,  San Bernardino County sheriff's officials said.

Authorities say the woman was loading groceries into her car when a man forcibly pulled her purse off her shoulder and fled on foot. He was later seen getting into the passenger seat of a green, older model four-door Toyota Corolla with "very distinctive" features and visible license plates driven by a woman with a small child in the back seat.

Witnesses told deputies they were able to get away due to the woman's erratic driving through the parking lot.

Investigators were able to identify the vehicle and the suspects involved with the help of clear, color video surveillance, and witness and victim's statements.

The suspect vehicle was found Thursday at about 7:32 p.m., along with Baltierra and 20-year-old Jessica Estrada, who were both suspects in the robbery. Sheriff's officials say Estrada's reported involvement with the crime will be forwarded to prosecutors due to her pregnancy.

Police did not say whether Baltierra was the father of Estrada's baby or what their relationship might be.

Baltierra is being held on a parole violation. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance Monday in the robbery case.

Anyone with information about this crime can contact authorities at (909) 387-3545.