89-year-old woman attacked, rosary beads stolen

PITTSBURGH — An 89-year-old woman was attacked right outside of Allegheny General Hospital on the North Side.

When police found her on the street, they say she was sobbing hysterically.

Police say the woman was robbed and assaulted just before 5:30 Friday morning at the crosswalk along Sandusky Street and E North Avenue.

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"It's sad,” said Bill Keller of Troy Hill. “There's a major problem in this country right now with people who are desperate."

Police tell Channel 11 a man ran up to the woman and stole her rosary beads, bus pass and cash.

Keller, who lives nearby, called the attack disgusting.

"I'm Roman Catholic myself and I know a lot of elderly people who really treasure their rosary beads, they come from their parents, their grandparents,” Keller said.

Pittsburgh police say the suspect was then spotted running through the park toward East Ohio Street.

"Someone whose thinking doesn't even go that far, they're thinking I'm desperate. I need something,” Keller said.

Channel 11 found out the woman was treated at Allegheny General Hospital for her injuries.

There is a very vague description of the suspect.

Police want you to give them a call if you know anything about this robbery and assault.

Cox Media Group