OKC Police Search For Suspect Preying On Elderly

Oklahoma City Police say a woman may be targeting elderly victims by pretending to befriend them, then stealing their money.

Thursday, November 8th 2012, 12:33 pm

By: News 9


Oklahoma City Police say a woman may be targeting elderly victims by pretending to befriend them, then stealing their money.

Police were first notified about the suspect in July. An 88-year-old woman told police she was grocery shopping at Crest at N.W. 23rd Street and N. Meridian Avenue when a woman approached her and claimed the two went to the same church. The victim said she told the woman she didn't recognize her, but the suspect followed her throughout the store, stood with her at the cashier's counter, and eventually helped her load the groceries in her car.

The woman said when she arrived home and began to unload her groceries, she discovered the suspect had followed her. She said the suspect asked if she needed help, and the woman said no. The victim said soon after the suspect left, she noticed her wallet was missing. She contacted police. Officers later discovered the victim's credit card had been used at a northwest Oklahoma City convenience store.

Police say a couple of months later in September, the same suspect escorted an 84-year-old woman into the Bank of Oklahoma at N.W. 23rd Street and Pennsylvania. The bank teller said the victim was a regular customer, but he didn't recognize the suspect.

He said the suspect told the victim to withdraw a large amount of cash from her account. The teller said when he asked the victim if she was sure she wanted to withdraw the money, the suspect became nervous and would not make eye contact with him.

The two then left, but the teller later told police the victim returned a few days later and said someone had stolen all the money in her bank account. Police say it appears the victim may have dementia, and be unaware she was the victim of a crime.

Police obtained surveillance video of the suspect from the grocery store. They've released a picture of her, hoping someone will recognize the suspect and call police. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at (405) 235-7300. Callers can remain anonymous, and may be eligible for a cash reward.

 

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