A purse, phone and cash were stolen late Thursday when a woman and child were robbed and assaulted in Van Nuys.
Officers responded to the call at about 11:30 p.m. in the 6500 block of Hazeltine Avenue about a robber who left the scene. Officers were told that the person assaulted the woman and child before taking the items.
Authorities said the robber and victim knew each other, but details about their relationship were not immediately available.
No arrests were reported early Friday. The woman told police the man appeared to be wearing Christmas-themed clothes and red pants.
The woman and child were transported to a hospital as a precaution, authorities said.
Officers remained in the neighborhood for hours as they investigated the report.