Pacifica Woman Evades Purse Snatch Attempt at Peninsula Safeway Store: Police

BELMONT, CA – A Pacifica woman who was shopping in Belmont this week evaded a purse-snatching attempt after she quickly ran away, police say. Now, police are hoping to find those responsible for the incident.

According to Belmont Police Capt. Patrick Halleran, the incident happened on Wednesday at 9:10 a.m. in the 1100 block of El Camino, at the Safeway parking lot.

A vehicle, described as an "older model" maroon Honda CRV-- later determined to be stolen out of San Jose-- pulled up next to the 62-year-old woman as she was in the lot, he said.

"A male suspect got out of the Honda, walked towards her and demanded her purse," Halleran said in a news release. "The woman immediately turned and ran back to the store and she was not injured."

At that point, the man hopped back into the SUV and the driver took off onto Emmett Street to El Camino, Halleran said. It was last spotted speeding toward Highway 101.

"Investigators have determined that the Honda had been stolen from San Jose some time before the Belmont incident and has since been recovered in San Jose," Halleran said.

Police released the attached photos in the hopes that someone may recognize the suspect and the alleged getaway driver.

"The suspect who attempted to take the victim's purse is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5'7" tall, with a dark goatee and wearing a hoodie," according to Halleran.

The woman didn't get a good look at the driver of the vehicle, Halleran said.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call Belmont police at 650-595-7400.