Lorton, Va. –– A woman told police a man tried to steal her purse, and now investigators have asked Lorton residents to keep an eye out for the would-be thief.
The victim was walking to her home in the 9400 block of Cherwek Drive, just off U.S. 1, at 8:50 p.m. Sept. 15, when a man approached her and grabbed her purse, said Fairfax police Franconia District spokesman Richard Henry on Thursday.
The purse was hanging around the woman’s neck by its strap, which prevented the man from taking it.
But a struggle ensued during the attempted theft, and the man grabbed the woman by the shoulder and threw her to the ground, said Henry.
The man then ran to a car that was waiting for him and ran away, and he and another man who was behind the wheel of the waiting car got away.
The victim was not seriously injured.
The attacker is described as Middle Eastern, between 22 and 28-years-old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 155 to 175 pounds, with short black hair.
The getaway car was described as a red, 2-door Toyota, which was driven by a black male, said Henry.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Fairfax County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477.
