PORTLAND, Oregon — Portland police are trying to identify the person caught on camera stealing from a 93-year-old man.
It happened the morning of Jan. 25, outside U.S. Bank's Stadium branch near Southwest 18th Avenue and Yamhill Street.
Security cameras showed the suspect following the victim, 93-year-old Stan Baumhofer, who had just left the bank. Baumhofer was using a walker when the suspect came up from behind, took Baumhofer’s wallet from his back pocket and ran away. Baumhofer turned around, stunned.
“Obviously I was unable to defend myself or chase or do anything about a pickpocket,” said Baumhofer. “I screamed after him and called the police and they were there within 3 minutes.”
Police said the suspect ran a couple of blocks before ducking into Coco Donuts on Southwest 17th and Morrison. Inside the shop, security footage showed the suspect rifling through his bags before buying a coffee and donut.
If he used money from Baumhofer’s wallet, he definitely had change to spare.
“There was $1,000 in that pocketbook that he took,” said Baumhofer. “It'd be nice to have that back as my only income is social security.”
The suspect is described as a white man his 30s, 5-foot 8-inches tall, balding with short, shaved hair. He was wearing a black jacket, black jeans and a black t-shirt with an Eiffel Tower picture on it. He also had on black shoes with white soles and a black hat.
Baumhofer is hoping someone will recognize the suspect and come forward. He also offered the suspect some advice.
“Find a job and don't steal,” he said. “Especially from helpless elderly people.”
After multiple people reached out offering to donate money to make up his losses, Baumhofer said he'd much rather people make a donation to Sunshine Division in his name instead.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Portland Police Bureau and reference case 22-23102.