Boston police looking for robber who held gun to elderly woman's head
ROXBURY - Boston police are searching for an armed man who they say robbed two elderly women while they were walking in Roxbury on Sunday night.
"I'm lucky I'm alive," victim Margarida Fildago said.
According to a Boston police community alert, the robber followed the victims to the intersection of Dudley and Clarence streets. Then he "pulled out a firearm and placed it on one victim's head, robbing her of her chain necklace," police said.
Officers responded to the scene at about 8:20 p.m.
Surveillance images of robber in Boston
Authorities released dark, grainy surveillance images of the alleged robber. Police described him as a Hispanic man of unknown age and between 5 feet, 3 inches and 5 feet, 4 inches tall. He was wearing a black hoodie with the hood up, a black face covering and black pants, according to law enforcement's description.
'You can tell he have experience"
Victim Margarida Fildago said she hopes police make an arrest soon, so no one has to go through what she and her cousin suffered.
The 71-year-old grandmother was walking back from her niece's house with her 65-year-old cousin when a man in black pointed a gun at her and demanded her gold necklace.
"The guy put his hands on my shoulder and asked me, 'Give me the chain.' I screamed. He showed me the gun. He told me in Spanish, 'I hope you stop because you are going to hurt someone," Fildago said. "The way he do it to me, you can tell he have experience."
The necklace belonged to Fildago's son, who died years ago. "He passed away 17 years ago. I use most every day."
Her cousin's necklace was also stolen. The two ran to their brother-in-law's house, where their he called 911.
"I was surprised because it never happens. I walk around all the time there's no problem around here. So it's kind of scary in a way," said the victim's brother-in-law Egidio Texiero.
Police have not yet made an arrest but are appealing to the public for help. Anyone with information is urged to call detectives at 617-343-4275. Those who want to make a tip anonymously can call 1-800-494-TIPS or text TIP to 27463.
"I hope he stops because he's going to hurt someone," Fildago said. "Police, they do a good job, and the detective is excellent in the way they help."
According to Boston police crime statistics, robbery and attempted robbery incidents are down slightly in the city. So far, data shows there have been 491 reported robberies this year compared to 533 at this point in 2023.
