Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Kate Bouey / Vernon Matters

Vernon Crime

Grinch pushes Vernon senior to the ground, steals handbag

Dec 24, 2019 | 9:56 AM

VERNON, B.C. — A 72-year-old woman who was shopping at the Village Green Mall on Monday was visibly shaken after a man pushed her to the ground from behind and stole her handbag.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP called the actions “despicable” and asked for public assistance in identifying the purse snatcher.

Officers were called to the mall parking lot just before 8:00 p.m. on Dec. 23 following the incident.

Police say the woman was walking back to her vehicle when she was pushed to the ground from behind and her purse was stolen by a man who fled eastbound on foot.

“The victim was visibly shaken up, but uninjured,” said Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy, RCMP spokesperson, in a press release. “Several witnesses chased after him, but lost him after a short pursuit.”

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Noseworthy says RCMP officers flooded the area, and a police services dog was called in to track the assailant but the suspect was not found.

The suspect is described as:

• White male
• 5’5″ to 5’6″
• Thin build
• Patchy short facial hair
• Wearing a dark hoody pulled over his head

“This is a callous and despicable act,” said Noseworthy. “We are asking anyone with information regarding this crime to contact us or CrimeStoppers immediately.

“A person capable of this behaviour needs to be held accountable for his actions.”

Anyone with any information in regards to this incident is asked to contact the Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leaving a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com.