Elderly woman robbed outside Modesto’s Costco store. Two Stockton men arrested
Modesto police detectives arrested two Stockton men on suspicion of robbing an elderly woman in the Costco parking lot on Pelandale Avenue on Wednesday.
The 71-year-old victim was sitting in her vehicle just after noon when one of the men opened the passenger door and grabbed her purse from the seat, said Police Department spokeswoman Sharon Bear. Her purse contained her credit cards, cell phone and money.
Bear said a witness reported seeing at least one of the suspects with a gun, but no gun was ever located.
Shortly after the robbery, police were notified that the victim’s credit card was being used at a Walmart in Stockton. With help from Stockton police, officers located the suspects at a gas station near the Walmart.
Officers arrested 28-year-old Charles Prince on suspicion of robbery, elder abuse, grand theft, identity theft and for a warrant out of Solano County. Leonard Bell, 19, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy and possession of stolen property.
The victim’s property was returned and evidence of another victim was located during the investigation, Bear said.
Detectives ask anyone who was a victim of a similar crime involving a white Nissan Altima to contact Detective Booza at 209-484-6113 or at Boozag@modestopd.com.
This story was originally published September 1, 2022 at 1:24 PM.
