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Police search for suspect in purse snatching

RCMP are searching for man that knocked down an 88-year-old woman and stole her purse on Main Street.

RCMP are searching for man that knocked down an 88-year-old woman and stole her purse on Main Street.

At 6:30 p.m. on June 6 police received a report that the senior had been knocked to the ground and robbed in front of the Capital Restaurant in the 200 block of Main Street. The woman said she was heading towards Okanagan Lake when she was approached by an unknown man who asked her for change, to which she replied she had none. He then grabbed her purse and shoved her to the ground. Fortunately the woman did not suffer serious physical injuries, however, police said she was very shaken by the incident.

"To date, witnesses have assisted immensely with the investigation and we are very grateful that our community has its eyes open all the time, however, we have yet to locate or identify the suspect," said Cpl. Dan Moskaluk. "We do need someone to come forward with more information. It is really quite a disturbing crime, where a fit and able young person preys on a vulnerable elder person."

Police said witnesses who intervened described the lone suspect who fled on foot as a Caucasian male, approximately 25 to 30 years old, five-foot-eightl, 150 pounds, with a dark goatee beard, white shoes, blue ball cap, blue T-shirt and teal shorts.

Anyone with further information or witnessed the incident are asked to call Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300. If you wish to remain anonymous call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.