Man punched in face while confronting car burglar in Burbank

A man was punched in the face Wednesday in Burbank after he confronted a burglar who tried to make off with his wife’s purse, police said.

The assault occurred about 4:45 a.m. after the husband noticed that his car window had been smashed in an underground parking structure in the 200 block of Rose Street and his wife’s purse was missing, according to Burbank Sgt. Darin Ryburn.

When he confronted the culprit as he tried to flee the structure, the man punched the husband in the face, initiating a struggle for the purse, Ryburn said.

The man was able to free himself and flee the area -- sans purse.
The robber was described as black man, 24 to 26 years old, 5 foot 8 inches tall and 135 pounds, police said. He was wearing a dark-colored T-shirt and pants.

Anyone with information was encouraged to call the Burbank police Investigation Bureau at (818) 238-3210.

--Veronica Rocha