A 72-year-old Korean woman fell victim to a brazen purse-snatching incident in broad daylight at a Korean market parking lot in Diamond Bar. The attack, which occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. on February 19, is the latest in a series of similar crimes reported in the area, raising concerns among residents and business owners.
According to the victim, identified as Ms. Lee, she had just finished grocery shopping and was about to place her handbag on the passenger seat of her parked vehicle when an unidentified masked man suddenly opened the car door.
The suspect forcibly grabbed her handbag as she attempted to resist. “I tried to hold onto it, but he yanked it away with force and fled in a white Honda Civic,” she recalled.
Lee further noted that the suspect’s getaway vehicle had spray paint covering its license plate, making it difficult to identify. The stolen handbag contained approximately $1,000 in cash, credit cards, and personal identification, including a Social Security card, and a mobile phone.
A security guard from a nearby Korean bank immediately reported the incident, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and emergency medical personnel. Lee sustained minor injuries, including bruises on her arms, during the struggle.
The victim also stated that she had heard of multiple similar incidents occurring in parking lots near other Korean-owned businesses in recent weeks. “I urge fellow community members to remain vigilant to avoid becoming victims of such crimes,” she cautioned.
A representative from the Korean market confirmed that surveillance footage capturing the incident had been handed over to authorities for investigative purposes. The case remains under active police investigation.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
