Attempted Strong-Arm Robbery at Costco Wholesale

For Immediate Release: July 13, 2018
Contact: Captain Martin Ticas, (650) 286-3300, mticas@fostercity.org

On July 12, 2018 at about 8:34 p.m., Foster City Police Officers responded to the parking lot of Costco Wholesale, at 1001 Metro Center Boulevard, on the report of a women screaming in the parking lot as three suspects were trying to steal her purse.  The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle prior to police arrival. The 62-year-old female victim reported she was about to get into her parked vehicle when the suspect vehicle stopped near her. Three suspects got out of their vehicle, approached the victim and tried to pry her purse from her grasp.  The victim resisted and was punched in the face by one suspect while another continued to pull on her arm in an attempt to get her purse. The victim was able to press the panic button on her vehicle key fob, which caused her car alarm to sound. The three suspects quickly got back into their own vehicle, which was last seen fleeing the scene on Metro Center Boulevard towards the State Route 92 freeway. The victim retained her purse and sustained a cut lip and bruised arm as a result of this incident. Foster City Police Officers conducted an extensive area check, initiated a San Mateo County Wide “Be-On-the-Lookout” broadcast and alerted the California Highway Patrol. The suspects were not located.

Suspect #1 was described as a Black male adult, late teens to early 20’s, 5-5, 120lbs, with an average build and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.

Suspect #2 was described as a Black male adult, late teens to early 20’s, 5-8, 140lbs, with an average build and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.

Suspect #3 was described as a Black male adult, late teens to early 20’s, 5-6, 120lbs, with an average build and wearing a dark colored shirt.

The suspect vehicle was described only as a Burgundy 4-door Honda Civic. No license plate was seen.

Anyone who may have information about this case is urged to contact the Foster City Police Department Detective Bureau at 286-3300. Or our Tip Line at 286-3323.

In an effort to prevent similar crimes, store patrons are encouraged to park in well-lit areas and to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If someone threatens you while you are in your car, lock all your doors and blow the car horn in short bursts to attract attention. If outside your vehicle, scream loudly for help to draw attention to your situation. If followed by another vehicle, honk your horn all the way to the nearest Police or Fire Station.

JOE PIERUCCI 
CHIEF OF POLICE
Tip Line:  650-286-3323
 

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