Police looking for man who robbed 96-year-old woman at ATM

MERCED -- Police are looking for a man who robbed a 96-year-old woman at the drive-through ATM at the downtown Wells Fargo Bank late last week.

The incident happened shortly before 12:30 p.m. Friday outside the 555 W. 18th St. bank branch.

The victim told police she'd driven up to the automated teller machine and noticed a man standing nearby. As she removed money from the machine, the robber quickly approached and demanded the cash, according to Lt. Bimley West.

The robber grabbed the victim's arm and cash, but she gripped the cash tightly, trying to keep him from taking it. The robber pulled on the money, tearing the bills in half.

He then fled on foot east on West 18th Street, West said. The woman received a minor scratch on her arm during the struggle, but didn't require medical attention.

Police said they're continuing their investigation and reviewing surveillance footage from the bank.

The robber is described as an unshaven white male adult, about 5 feet 6 inches and weighing about 170 pounds.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Sgt. Scott Skinner at (209) 385-4702 or the department's automated tip line at (209) 385-4725. Residents can text a tip to TIP411 (847411) using "comvip" as the first word in the text message.