La Habra police were looking for two good Samaritans after they took down a purse-snatching suspect, who allegedly robbed an 82-year-old woman Sunday afternoon as she walked home from church.
Police arrested Alfredo Lezama, 25, of La Habra, shortly after the crime that occurred near 650 S. Beach Blvd. shortly before 2 p.m. The two men, who are seen on surveillance video from a nearby auto sales store, left before police were able to get their information.
"The suggestion by police is always don't get involved. Be a good witness, but in this case, it turned out very well," said Sgt. Jose Quirarte, of the La Habra Police Department.
La Habra police would like to talk to the good Samaritans.
"We would like for them to contact the police department, not only to help the case but also we would like to recognize them for their willingness to stop and help," he said.
The men reportedly witnessed the purse-snatching incident and then confronted the suspect at the La Habra auto sales shop on Lambert Road.
The store's surveillance video shows the suspect wielding a large metal pipe as he is confronted by the two men. One of the men is shown throwing the woman's purse away from the suspect. The auto shop owner described what he believed one of the good Samaritans did next.
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"The guy was a really brawny guy with big shoulders. He looked a line backer," said Charles Farley, the store owner. "It sounded like he almost picked him up and slammed him up against the door!"
The suspect ran away. Police arrested him a few blocks away. The victim who was happy to get her purse back, was not injured.
"These two guys stepping up to the plate, just being like superheroes, taking care of business, helping out an elderly lady," said Farley. "It just doesn't get much better than that."
