Police are searching for a man who allegedly assaulted an elderly woman inside her home during a robbery in the Ogontz section of North Philadelphia.
The attack occurred Oct. 6 around 4 p.m. on the 1600 block of West Godfrey Avenue.
Police said the 83-year-old woman had hired the man to perform repairs to her home. The man had completed several jobs in the weeks leading up to the incident.
On this occasion, however, the man engaged in a verbal dispute over payment with the victim that ended when the suspect punched the elderly woman in the face. He attempted to cover her mouth with his hand, but the victim fell to the floor and the suspect fled the scene.
After several minutes, the victim was able to get back on her feet and noticed $250 was missing from her purse. She was eventually transported to a local hospital where she was treated for facial injuries.
The suspect was captured on surveillance video at a local business. Authorities have released the footage Monday asking the public to identify the man.
Police describe the suspect as a black man in his 40's with a stocky build and a beard.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Northwest Detective Division at (215) 686-3353/3354.