Buena Park : Gunman Robs Woman, Fires at Two Rescuers

Police on Sunday were searching for a man who attacked and robbed a 19-year-old video store employee and fired two gunshots at two other workers who tried to help her.

Officer Terry Branum said no one was hurt in the Saturday evening incident in the National Video store parking lot in the 4500 block of Beach Boulevard.

Branum said the suspect, described as in his mid-20s, approached Tracy Lynn Balchowski as she walked to her car about 10 p.m. The man brandished a small chrome revolver and took Balchowski’s purse, which contained about $80. As the suspect tried to force the young woman into her car, another employee, Lee Carl Bender, raced out to help her.

Branum said Bender, also 19, told the suspect he had no money, then lunged at him. The suspect fired a single round at him but the bullet struck a nearby telephone booth.

Bender and another store employee, who was not identified, gave chase. As he fled, the robber fired again, this time hitting the side of the building. Branum said the suspect was last seen running south on Beach Boulevard.