Suspect tells 95-year old woman he loves her before allegedly assaulting and robbing her
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A man allegedly attacked and robbed a woman after telling her that he loved her. This all happened Monday afternoon, at the corner of 10th Street and Beville Avenue on the city’s east side.
According to a police report, 95-year old Doris Snyder was sitting alone in her daughter’s car in the parking lot of the John H. Boner Center. A man approached Snyder.
“This was obviously very opportunistic. People saw an opportunity and took advantage of this woman,” said James Taylor, CEO of the John H. Boner Center.
According to police, the suspect said, “You know I love you, right?” He then handed Snyder an east side community newspaper and asked for money. When Snyder told him that she didn’t have money, the suspect allegedly grabbed her arm, squeezing it so hard that it immediately began to swell and bruise. He then snatched her wallet, police say.
“I know they came up and got her some water and brought her in because she was visibly upset. Really, really upset,” said Taylor.
The John C. Boner Community Center provides services to everyone, but particularly the elderly. Attached to the center is an adult day care, as well as social center for seniors. When Taylor learned that instead of supporting the elderly, the suspect instead took advantage, it was especially disturbing.
“What we try to do is wrap our arms around them to be able to provide the kinds of support,” said Taylor.
People in the area are troubled by the allegations, particularly because of the victim’s age.
“The elderly people, it’s a special class of people. You do need to help them,” said Bud White, who shops in the area.
Richard Whyde is a regular at the center and said, “This is a pretty bad neighborhood and that’s why they have a community center over here. So they can protect the elderly against the younger people that do these kinds of things.”
Neighbors are now using this as a lesson, to protect themselves.
“I never have windows rolled down. You underestimate how the war is out here. These young people don’t think about nothing, but trying to get what they want,” said Linda Wallace, who frequents the community center.
“We have guards that come around the building. They protect us as much as they can, but regardless of where you go, you can’t protect everyone all the time,” added Whyde.
Taylor said the community center now has extra security measures in place. They have hired extra police to patrol the area. Also, they are asking their staff to be on the lookout for unusual activity.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 60s, 5’9″ tall and 160 pounds, with blond or strawberry-colored hair. He was last seen wearing glass, a bright green t-shirt with white writing on it, and blue jeans.
The suspect is still on the loose. If you have any information that could help police, call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.