On Sept. 14, 2012, at approximately 8 p.m., the Punta Gorda Police Department responded to the parking lot of Charlotte High School, 1250 Cooper St., in reference to an attempted strong-arm robbery. The victim reported that a white male, described as wearing khaki shorts, black t-shirt, possibly between the ages of 15 and 20, attempted to forcibly grab her purse from her while she was walking toward her vehicle. The victim was involved in a brief struggle with the suspect and at one point was violently slammed into her vehicle by the suspect. The victim reported that the suspect was unsuccessful in taking her purse. The suspect was last seen running south through the parking lot, toward Cooper Street.

Punta Gorda Police Detectives are seeking the public’s help in providing any information that may lead to the identity of the suspect or suspects that were involved in this attempted strong-arm robbery. Anyone providing information can remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a cash reward through the Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers program. Crime Stoppers can be contacted at (800) 780-TIPS or online at http://www.swflcrimestoppers.org/.

Anyone with information can also contact Detective Marty Meddaugh at 941-575-5528 or Detective Lieutenant James Kirdy at 941-575-5526.