Woman punched, pepper sprayed during Hunting Park robbery

HUNTING PARK (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are looking for a suspect who punched a woman in the face during a purse snatching in the city's Hunting Park section.

Police say the 21-year-old woman was walking on the 3800 block of North 5th Street at 2 a.m. Sunday morning when an unknown man exited a dark colored vehicle and began following her.

He grabbed her by the throat and pepper sprayed her when she tried to free herself.

The robber then punched the woman several times in the face before taking her purse, which contained credit cards and $10 cash.

He then fled on foot and was last seen walking east on the 500 block of West Butler Street.

Police describe the suspect as a black or Hispanic male with a light complexion, 5'5" tall, 160-180 lbs. and 16-24 years old. He was wearing light pants, boots, a gray hooded sweatshirt and a dark colored jacket.

If you see this suspect do not approach him, contact 911 immediately.

Anyone with information on this robbery should call police at 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP (773847).