Search Underway for Purse Snatcher: La Mesa

Suspect attacked elderly woman near Grossmont Center Mall Saturday evening, according to police

La Mesa police are searching for a suspect who they said snatched the purse of an elderly woman near the Grossmont Center Mall Saturday evening.

The incident occurred near Grossmont Center Drive at Fletcher Parkway in La Mesa at about 7:54 p.m., according to Police Chief Ed Aceves.

The 71-year old victim and her husband were walking through the parking lot near BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse when they were approached by the suspect, Aceves said.

The man attacked the woman from behind, grabbing the purse from her shoulder before running east toward Grossmont Hospital, Aceves added.

The victim reportedly suffered minor injuries, complaining of back pain, but declined medical treatment.

Police describe the suspect as a white male in his mid-30s, who stood about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed 160 pounds. He was wearing dark clothing at the time of the incident, according to Aceves.

Anyone with information about the incident can call the La Mesa Police Department at 619-463-6611.

Contact Us