Attack On 87 Year Old Woman Leads To Arrest Of 2 Teens

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA (October 20, 2008) – Two teenagers, one 16, the other 17, have been arrested following the brutal attack and robbery of an 87-year-old woman on her way to catch a bus.

Police responded at approximately 10:49am to reports of the incident which occurred on Newhope Street, south of Edinger Ave.

The 87-year-old female Fountain Valley resident was reportedly walking north on Newhope St. in an effort to catch a bus at Edinger to go shopping.

The two teens allegedly approached the woman, repeatedly stepped in her path and verbally harassed her as she attempted to pass.

While the woman was able to eventually get by the suspects, moments later she was knocked to the ground. One of the suspects struggled with her, ultimately tearing her purse away.

The two teens then fled Northbound down Newhope before disappearing into a residential tract south of Edinger, according to police.

Several witnesses called Fountain Valley police and lead officers to where the suspects had last been seen.

Following a half hour search of the area, police found the two juveniles hiding in a residential backyard in the 16200 block of Sierra St.

After witnesses positively identified the two, police arrested and booked them into Orange County Juvenile Hall for felony robbery and elder abuse. Both of the teens are reportedly from Santa Ana.

The 87 year old victim received a head injury along with several cuts and abrasions from the attack. She was transported to a local hospital where she was expected to soon be released, according to Police.