Man Violently Attacks, Robs Elderly Woman Outside Restaurant
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POMPANO BEACH (CBSMiami) – Deputies are searching for a man caught on camera violently snatching a chain from an elderly woman outside a Pompano Beach restaurant.
Margaret Ghee, 72, was walking out of the Wendy's fast food restaurant at 2500 W. Atlantic Boulevard on July 24th when the robber called her attention and attacked.
"He looked like he was in his early 20s," said McGhee. "This was a necklace I had bought for a few hundred dollars. I definitely feel he was stalking me for it. I was considering spending more time in South Florida until this happened. He was definitely observing me. This has changed my attitude about being here."
McGhee, who lives on the East Side of Manhattan in New York City, told CBS4's Peter D'Oench that she was visiting friends in the area at the time and had stopped at the Wendy's restaurant.
McGhee agreed to give CBS4 a statement but requested that her voice not be recorded for TV.
"It's hard to keep this 72-year-old woman down," she said.
Broward Sheriff's deputies said the robber pushed the petite woman to the ground and ripped the gold chain from around her neck.
Security cameras captured video of the man deputies are looking for. Video showed him entering the restaurant then again skulking outside, waiting for his victim to emerge from the restaurant.
Moments after the attack, McGhee got back up and went back inside the restaurant to ask for help.
BSO spokeswoman Gina Carter said, "Once the victim came out of the restaurant, he called out to her and pushed her hard to the ground. He used a lot of force on this elderly victim and grabbed her by the neck. The victim was very fortunate she was not seriously injured. We'd like to catch this guy and get him off the street."
Customers at the Wendy's restaurant where shown the surveillance video by D'Oench and said they were stunned.
One customer, who only identified herself as Nova, said, "Oh my God. Oh my God. She fell. That's really sad. You have to be really careful and watch your surroundings at all times."
Another customer, Tianna Thomas, said, "Oh my God it's scary. It's repulsive that he did this to her. The necklace can't be worth that. It is very scary. He had to be watching her for some time to do that. This made me sick to my stomach. I think he needs to turn himself in right away for the sake of that woman."
Detectives said they are looking for a tall young man with a medium complexion and short black hair.
Anyone with information is urged to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.
There is a reward of up to $3,000.