Attempted car thief assaults owner who had just lost his wife hours before: police
Man assaulted by attempted car thief hours after losing his wife
Police in Delaware County are looking for a suspect they say assaulted a man who was trying to prevent him from stealing his truck. The victim had just lost his wife in the hours before the attack.
HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Haverford Township police are asking for the public's assistance in locating a suspect who attempted to steal a man's truck and then assaulted him, just hours after the man's wife had passed away.
What we know:
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on July 18th on the 500 block of Kathmere Road.
A man in his 60s confronted the suspect trying to steal his truck. During the confrontation, police say the suspect threw the victim to the ground, causing a laceration on his arm.
Haverford Township Police Chief John Viola says the victim had just lost his wife hours before the attempted theft.
(Haverford Township Police Department)
The suspect is described by police as a Black male in his early twenties, about 5 feet 9 inches tall. He fled the scene and was later seen a few blocks away on the 400 block of Earlington Road.
What they're saying:
Chief John Viola commented on the emotional impact of the crime.
"You know you’re going through a traumatic part of your life when a close family member dies, then you have to put up with this on top of it."
He also highlighted a troubling trend of vehicle thefts in the area, adding that surrounding departments are also dealing with similar issues.
"We had eight cars stolen in a two-week period. I think Upper Darby had 16 in a three-week period. What we find is they’re just coming out here and trying car doors," Chief Viola explained.
Lauren Marsteller, a neighbor, expressed her concern.
"Well, it’s upsetting. I mean, this is not the first time it’s happened. I hate to say it seems like it’s happening more frequently."
What you can do:
Residents are urged to be vigilant and ensure their vehicles and homes are securely locked.
If you have any information about this case, please contact Haverford Township Police.