2 Women Robbed of Purses in Same Pasadena Neighborhood

Two women were robbed of their purses in two similar crimes reported in the same Pasadena neighborhood on Wednesday evening, police said.

The first robbery unfolded about 7:30 p.m. at Cordova Street and Shoppers Lane, Pasadena police Lt. Sean Burgess said.

A 59-year-old Pasadena woman was walking in a parking lot when an attacker approached her from behind and pushed her to the ground, he said.

The robber then grabbed the woman’s purse from her shoulder and ran away, according to the lieutenant. The victim suffered redness to her hands and knees but did not wish to be taken to a hospital.

Police initially described the robber as a man of unknown race, standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.

Another robbery took place just after 10:30 p.m. in the 1000 block of San Pasqual Street, less than half a mile to the south, authorities said.

In that case, a 69-year-old South Pasadena woman was walking a dog when a man approached and made a comment about the animal and engaged the woman in conversation, Burgess said.

Suddenly, the man snatched the woman’s purse from her shoulder, ran to a car parked nearby and fled, he said. The victim suffered no injuries.

The robber was described as a man of unknown race, about 5 feet 8inches tall, of heavy build and wearing a blakc hooded sweatshirt.

Detectives were looking into the possibility the two crimes were related, Burgess said.

Anyone with information can reach the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.