Elderly Woman, 94, Punched, Robbed Of Electronics, Jewelry, Irreplaceable Coin From President

RICHMOND, CA -- Richmond police are hoping that the public can help identify a suspect who attacked a 94-year-old park ranger in her apartment this week and stole an item she received from the president.

Police were first notified at 1:45 a.m. Monday that a woman's apartment had been broken into on Hilltop Drive, Richmond police Lt. Felix Tan said.

Police learned that the incident began around midnight, when the woman was woken up by a man rummaging through a jewelry box in her bedroom.

She responded by reaching for her cellphone to call for help, Tan said. When the suspect saw what she was doing, he wrestled the phone away from her and started punching her.

The suspect then dragged her from the bedroom into the hallway, straddled her and continued the assault, Tan said.

After regaining her composure, the woman managed to crawl into a bathroom and lock herself inside for nearly an hour while the man stole items from her apartment, Tan said.

She suffered physically and emotionally from the incident but does not want to be classified as a victim, Tan said.

"That's something she made clear," Tan said. "She's a very special and strong woman."

Among the items stolen from her was an irreplaceable commemorative coin presented to her by President Barack Obama. The woman, who talks about history at Richmond's Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, was given the token for being the nation's oldest full-time park ranger.

Tan said anyone who is offered to be sold or traded the coin should immediately report it to police.

Other items stolen from the apartment included mostly electronic devices, he said.

Police are also asking that anyone who saw a man in his early to mid 20s with a slender to medium build running or acting suspicious in the area of Hilltop Drive early Monday morning to call (510) 620-1755.

"Every little piece of the puzzle will help us solve this," Tan said.

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--Bay City News