Violent purse snatching in Evesham Township

EVESHAM TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- A casual night of shopping ended with a 75-year-old woman in the hospital with a broken arm, broken hip, internal bleeding and severe cuts to the face.

Just before 8:30 Wednesday night, someone snatched the victim's purse at the Promenade at Sagemore.

The suspect knocked the woman down, dragged her on the concrete, grabbed the purse and took off with a friend.

"They probably looked like two ordinary gentleman that were minding their own business until they decided to attack," said Jeff Stern.

"It's frightening. Who would suspect two young guys," said Sandy Wolf.

According to witnesses, the duo ran behind the shopping center and into the Sagemore Apartments.

"If they grabbed it and they dragged her, it doesn't matter how you hold your purse, it's what's in your purse," said Wolf.

"I leave my 13-year-old by herself. I drop her off and come back and pick her up. I would never think that anything would happen in this area," said Deborah Ceraso.

Witnesses tell police, the man was in his early 20s, 5'5" tall with a thin build and close cropped hair. He was last seen wearing a light blue shirt and blue basketball shorts.

The suspect's friend is described as being in his early 20s with a thin build and curly strawberry blonde hair. He was last seen wearing a blue bandana on his head, a grey t-shirt, and dark basketball shorts.

Police say witnesses saw the pair smoking cigarettes by Clark's shoe store shortly before the robbery.

"Seems like cowards picked a soft target and they got away with it," said Stern.

As news of the robbery spreads, shoppers are keeping a watchful eye as they make their purchases.

"You don't expect that type of behavior in an upscale shopping center," said Stern.

Anyone with information is urged to call Evesham Police at 856-983-4699.