Purse-Snatching Suspect Arrested
San Diego police have arrested a man suspected of attempting to rob a 77-year old Rancho Bernardo woman in a shopping center parking lot earlier this month.
Felipe Vallejo-Carachure 18, of the 2800 block of K Street was arrested Wednesday after he came voluntarily into the northeast area station for questioning, Lt. Richard Bennett said. A second suspect is being sought in the attempted robbery, which occurred in the parking lot of Bernardo Plaza on Dec. 15.
Bertha Ridderhof of Rancho Bernardo was returning to her car about 9 p.m. As she placed a package on the roof of her car, a man grabbed her purse. She held onto the purse and was dragged to the ground. Onlookers saw the struggle and came to her aid, Bennett said.
Ridderhof sustained facial and head injuries and was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital where she was treated and released.
The assailant escaped in a car driven by another man, who police are still seeking, Bennett said.
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