MIAMI (WSVN) - The violent robbery of an elderly woman in Miami was captured on camera, and police are asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect.
Another victim was targeted just blocks away and police believe the crimes are connected.
An alarming video captures the moment when a man believed to be between 30 and 40 years old shoves an 82-year-old woman to the ground to grab her purse.
“They took everything from me. They left me with completely nothing — my phone, all the money I had in my purse, and my passport,” Maria Theresa Riasco said through a translator.
The theft happened back on April 10 on the 1100 block of Northwest 32nd Street.
While shaken up, Riasco is OK.
She called police, who were able to get their hands on the surveillance video, and immediately they realized the person looked familiar.
“It is believed that the offender is responsible for both of these robberies,” said Miami Police officer Kiara Delva.
Less than a minute away, on the 1200 block of Northwest 30th Street, a similar crime was also caught on camera.
Police believe that same man broke into Rena Underwood’s home just a week before, on April 2. The victim told police he had a knife and grabbed her by the neck.
“He said, ‘I’m not gonna hurt you. All I want is money,’” Underwood said.
After he broke in through the front door, investigators said he grabbed Underwood’s two phones and the necklace she was wearing.
“It was strange how he did it. He unloosed it himself,” she said.
Now she’s staying with family while her son secures her home and installs an alarm to keep criminals away.
“That’s all I can say, is give God the glory that he didn’t do nothing to me,” Underwood said.
The robbery subject was seen wearing a neon yellow shirt in one of the surveillance videos.
If you have any information on this subject’s whereabouts or identity, 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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