A 25-year-old woman is accused ofsnatching an 80-year-old woman's purse after holding a door open for her in Accokeek, Md.
LaJean Nicola Lancaster, of Lanham, is charged in the robbery.
Prince George’s County Police say Lancaster (pictured below, left) is the person captured in surveillance video at a carry-out restaurant. They say she held open the door for the victim and her husband, but then grabbed her purse and ran.
Lancaster was then tackled and held down by the victim’s husband and a Good Samaritan.
Police say Lancaster bit both men while being restrained, causing them minor injuries. At the same time, a man approached the scene and hit the Good Samaritan in the face in an effort to free Lancaster, police said. When he couldn't get her free, he ran away.
Lancaster was arrested by patrol officers at the scene. She admitted her involvement in the robbery and has been charged with robbery and second-degree assault.
Detectives are working to identify the man who fled and are seeking the public’s assistance in locating him (suspect pictured, below right).
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Regional Investigative Division-South at 301-749-5064. Callers can remain anonymous by calling CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You may also text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or submit a tip online.