NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (KGTV) — Police are searching for several suspects accused of pistol-whipping a 76-year-old woman inside a National City church.
According to National City Police, the incident began on November 28 just before 9 p.m. when officers received a 911 call regarding a possible robbery on the 1400 block of East 8th Street.
When officers arrived, they approached the 76-year-old victim, who was suffering trauma to her face. "The investigation revealed that the victim had been confronted at gunpoint while inside the International Church of Praise, 1341 E. 8th Street, National City, by two (2) unknown black male suspects," police said.
While inside the church, the woman was pistol-whipped in the face before being forced into her vehicle by the suspects.
"The suspects demanded the victim’s home address and she was driven to that location in the City of San Diego," police added. After arriving at the home, no one exited the car, police said.
The suspects then drove the victim back to National City where she was taken to a strip mall before being left alone in the vehicle, allowing her to escape and seek help at a business nearby.
"The suspects were last seen fleeing the area on foot."
The woman's family spoke to ABC 10News on the phone. They say they're not yet ready to talk on camera but say the 76-year-old is an active church member. According to her loved one, she has severe bruising to her face and is having trouble handling the pain.
Businesses near the church say they area is usually safe, but will now be more careful when leaving the area until the men are caught.
Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call National City Police at 619-336-4460 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
