81-Year-Old Female Restaurant Owner Punched in Face During Robbery in Providence
GoLocalProv News Team
81-Year-Old Female Restaurant Owner Punched in Face During Robbery in Providence
The 81-year-old owner of a restaurant was assaulted during a robbery at knifepoint at her restaurant in Providence on Wednesday.
The female victim, who owns the bar and restaurant I Love Mexico Bar & Grille on Smith Street, sustained injuries when she tried to prevent the suspect from stealing her purse.
She was punched in the face by the suspect.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
About Incident
Shortly after 6 PM on Wednesday, police responded to the restaurant for a report of a robbery.
Police said they met with the owner — as well as the cook, a male in his 30s — who described the suspect as a “tall, light-skinned Hispanic male.”
According to the cook, he had been taking the trash out behind the establishment when he was approached by a man who demanded money — and brandished a knife.
The cook reportedly screamed for help and called police; the suspect then reportedly entered the restaurant and confronted the owner.
The owner told police the suspect went to steal her purse from under the register; she said she tried to pull it away from him, at which time he punched her in the face with closed fists.
The suspect reportedly grabbed cash from inside the purse and fled.
Police said the victim could be seen with visible injuries.