Hunter
05/08/24
An area transient was arrested Monday morning after attempting to rob a woman of her handbag.
The incident occurred on the 200 block of South Clinton Street at around 10:45am. Witnesses say 31-year-old Jose Hernandez attacked he woman as she was walking on the sidewalk He tried to yank her bag off her but the strap was across her body and wouldn’t come off. Hernandez then allegedly shoved the woman against a wall and continued to yank at the handbag. She screamed for help and bystanders intervened.
Hernandez then reportedly fled on foot, but a witness chased him and took video of him with her phone. The attack was also captured on video from three other sources.
The victim suffered scratches and abrasions, with smears of blood on her chest, arms and shirt. She was visibly shaken by the incident. Hernandez was apprehended a short time later, and allegedly had a fresh bleeding cut on his right ring finger.
Hernandez faces a 2nd degree robbery charge and could be sentenced to up to ten years in prison if convicted.