Security guard injured during robbery attempt in Santa Ana
- An elderly man was robbed while loading his groceries in the parking lot.
- A security guard intervened but was seriously injured when the getaway vehicle ran him over.
- Community concerns about public safety have intensified following this incident.
On June 4, an elderly man was targeted in a parking lot robbery in Santa Ana, California. The incident occurred outside Food 4 Less, where the 83-year-old man was approached by a young woman who offered to help him with his groceries. As he loaded heavy cases of water into his car, she distracted him and snatched two gold chains worth over $4,500 before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage captured the altercation, showing how the woman jumped into a white Mercedes-Benz SUV driven by an accomplice. The security guard on duty attempted to intervene to stop the getaway. As the getaway vehicle sped away, the security guard was hit by the SUV, resulting in serious injuries to his leg. Emergency responders later indicated that the guard required amputation of several toes due to the severity of his injuries. The Santa Ana Police Department has urged anyone with information regarding the identities of the robbery suspects to reach out to their department. Initial descriptions point to the female suspect being approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 140 pounds, wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans, and estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old. Investigators noted that this technique of distraction is a common tactic used by thieves to divert attention and steal valuables from unsuspecting victims. The elderly man highlighted that he had managed to protect his gold cross during the incident. Surveillance footage played an important role in visualizing the crime, providing critical evidence for law enforcement as they pursue leads on the suspects. This event has raised concern in the Santa Ana community regarding safety in public spaces, emphasizing the risks faced by individuals, particularly the elderly, who may be targeted for their valuables. The aftermath of this incident continues to resonate within the community as discussions about safety and crime prevention strategies unfold. The police are actively seeking assistance from the public in identifying the suspects to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.