Newport Beach : Woman Is Savagely Beaten in Robbery

A 59-year-old woman was in critical condition Friday after being beaten savagely during an early morning robbery at the cleaners where she works, police said.

Patricia Adams of Huntington Beach was opening up Park Newport Cleaners, at 5 Park Newport, at about 7 a.m. when the incident occurred, Police Lt. Paul Henisey said.

“From what we can determine, she was opening up the business, a male suspect followed her into the store and attacked her,” Henisey said. “Her recollection from that point is pretty sketchy, and she was only able to provide us with vague information.”

Adams, who suffered multiple fractures to her skull, a broken right forearm, and numerous cuts on her face and head, was rushed to Hoag Hospital. She may require surgery to relieve pressure on her brain caused by blood clots, Henisey said.

Adams was discovered moments after the attack by stunned customers who arrived at the cleaners and found her laying inside the door. She was conscious when police arrived but was only able to tell officers that the person who attacked her was a man wearing a hat, Henisey said.

Police said such a brutal crime is uncharacteristic of the large Park Newport Apartments complex where the cleaners is located. The complex, at the corner of San Joaquin Hills and Jamboree roads, also has a small market and cafe.

“I’d say it’s very surprising,” Henisey said. “Nothing like this has occurred there before.”

The assailant, who was still at large, escaped with an unknown amount of checks and cash from the business.

Investigators have not yet found any witnesses to the crime. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Newport Beach Police Department at (714) 644-3715.