UPDATE APRIL 26: Las Vegas police are sharing new photos as the search continues for a man they say robbed and beat a 75-year-old woman on March 16.
Police ask anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of the man to contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.
ORIGINAL STORY
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) -- Las Vegas police are asking for help identifying a man suspected of robbing and beating an elderly woman.
Police have released surveillance images of the suspect wanted in connection with the incident that happened at about 8:30 p.m. on March 16 near Charleston and Rampart boulevards.
A 75-year-old woman was putting her 6-year-old grandson into the back seat of her car when she was struck from behind with an object, according to police.
"Usually it's a crime of opportunity. He saw her putting a child in the car, said, 'That's the one I want.' He acted quickly, and there really was nothing she could do about it," said Donavin Britt, founder and chief instructor of Las Vegas Krav Maga.
The suspect stole the victim’s purse and went to a silver Nissan SUV that was waiting for him.
"I don't blame her at all. It sounds like she was the perfect victim in this case," Britt said.
Police arrested 30-year-old Deundra Lewis, believed to be the driver of the getaway vehicle.
Britt also said the most common mistakes people make in parking lots are generally not being aware of their surroundings.
"Fighting for your property is a bad idea - as the stakes get higher," Britt said.
Instead, he says to position your body to maximize your peripheral vision, demonstrating how to put a child in the back of your car.
"Turn your back to the door where you can as actually feel your back to the door, and help the child in this way," he said.
Anyone with more information on the identity or whereabouts of the suspect was urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.
