The Santa Ana Police Department is investigating a distraction theft that seriously injured an 83-year-old man and resulted in the theft of jewelry valued at $4,500.
According to authorities on July 16, the incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. on June 6 in a parking lot in the 2100 block of South Bristol Street.
A woman approached the victim after he had completed grocery shopping and offered to help load items into his trunk. While assisting, she removed two gold necklaces from his neck and ran to a nearby vehicle driven by a male accomplice. The two fled the scene in a white Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 SUV.
Security footage released by police shows the victim attempting to block the vehicle’s path. As he grabbed the door handle, the SUV continued forward, causing him to lose balance and fall. The vehicle ran over the lower half of his body, leaving him seriously injured.
Police identified the crime as a distraction theft, a scheme in which suspects approach elderly individuals under the pretense of offering help and then steal valuables while the victim is distracted. “This case aligns with patterns seen in similar incidents involving suspects known as ‘Gypsy travelers,’” said the Santa Ana Police Department.
The female suspect is described as 20 to 25 years old, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing around 140 pounds, and was last seen wearing a gray shirt and jeans. Authorities are urging anyone with information to call 714-245-8373.
Distraction thefts have recently occurred across Southern California. In February, a 78-year-old Korean American woman in La Mirada was targeted outside her home. While one woman spoke to her, two accomplices entered the house and stole approximately $50,000 in cash and valuables.
Also in February, the Irvine Police Department arrested two male suspects during a patrol at Woodbury Town Center in connection with similar activity.
Authorities advise the public to maintain distance from unfamiliar individuals, stay alert during interactions, and avoid leaving valuables unattended, even briefly.
BY SANGHWAN LIM [lim.sanghwan@koreadaily.com]
