EL CAJON, Calif. (KGTV) – The superintendent of an El Cajon senior living apartment complex says police told him they have arrested a suspect in a series of robberies that have taken place on the sidewalk in front of the building.
The arrest comes less than 24 hours after a 10News story aired surveillance video showing two of the muggings outside the Salvation Army apartments on South Anza Street.
"I actually jumped up and down with excitement," said super Alex Harmon, describing his reaction to the news. He says the surveillance video was key evidence.
Harmon says there have been at least five incidents between October 15 and December 24. In one instance, the thief and a possible accomplice are seen carefully observing resident, May Kanao, while passing her on the street.
The thief then turned and followed Kanao around the corner. He attempted to rip the gold chain off her neck, coming away with the gold cross which had been attached. The thief is then seen running back down South Anza St.
In the other incident, which took place in October, the thief is seen engaging a 97-year-old resident who uses a walker in conversation, convincing her to open her bag. He quickly rifled through it, grabbed her wallet, and walked away.
10News contacted the El Cajon Police Department. A spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing and that the department was not ready to release any information.
