MIAMI (WSVN) - A home’s security cameras captured the moment a woman in her 70s was attacked and robbed in the driveway of her Miami home, Monday afternoon.
In the footage, a man is seen approaching 77-year-old Maria Viciedo from behind as she was standing next to her open vehicle in the rain while holding a large blue and white umbrella, along Southwest 60th Court, near Sixth Street, just after noon.
The subject is then seen standing to Viciedo’s left. She then drops the umbrella, which blocks the camera’s view for about three seconds. The man is then seen holding the woman’s purse as he yanks it, making her fall to the ground as he runs out of the frame.
Investigators said the subject got into a black SUV, possibly an Isuzu Ascender and took off. He was last seen heading south to Southwest Eighth Street.
Fortunately, a neighbor heard Viciedo’s screams and came to her aid.
In addition to the purse, police said, the man took Viciedo’s car keys, cane and walker. “We’re looking for this heartless, possibly Hispanic white man that left this woman completely clueless as to what happened after she hit the ground,” said Miami Police Officer Kenia Fallat.
It was a neighbor’s surveillance camera that captured the entire incident.
Speaking to 7News through a translator, Viciedo said she initially thought the perpetrator was trying to help her. She said she was on her way to the doctor at the time of the incident because she is recovering from hip surgery. “I was going to get in the car because I had an appointment with the doctor,” she said.
Viciedo hurt her finger during the struggle but did not sustain more serious injuries. She said she is grateful it wasn’t worse. “Thank God I didn’t break my hip,” she said.
Viciedo said her cellphone was also inside the purse, but the only things she cares about are photos from her grandson’s communion.
Police described the subject as a white male, between 20 and 30 years old, who stands between 5 foot 5 and 5 foot 8. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and black jacket.
Shortly after the incident, police said, the thief swiped Viciedo’s credit card at a Marathon gas station located on Northwest 20th Street and First Court, about six miles away.
If you have any information on this crook’s whereabouts, please call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward
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