OAKLAND — A 78-year-old woman was hospitalized Wednesday with head injuries suffered when she was robbed of her purse in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood near Lake Merritt, authorities said.
He condition was not immediately available Thursday.
The violent attack happened about 2:15 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Newton and Lester avenues.
According to initial police reports, the woman, who lives in the area, was walking on the sidewalk when a man confronted her and tried to grab her purse, which was being held on her shoulder by straps.
The woman briefly struggled with the man before he pulled her to the pavement and stole the purse, which contained some cash and an iPhone, according to the initial reports.
Before police responded, the robber ran away, possibly to a vehicle.
A detailed description of the robber has not been released.
Anyone with information about the robbery may call investigators at 510-238-3326. Anyone with videos or other images that might assist investigators may email them to cidvideo@oaklandca.gov.