Auburn detectives have arrested a man following an investigation into an attempted robbery at Strathfield at the weekend.
Police were told a man approached a group of women sitting inside a café on Albert Road, Strathfield, when he allegedly picked up a handbag and placed it inside his backpack about 12.45pm on Sunday 17 October 2021.
A 65-year-old woman attempted to grab the backpack off the man before a struggle ensued and the he tried to leave the café.
The woman held onto the backpack and was allegedly dragged along the floor before a second woman – aged 78 – was knocked to the ground, hitting her head.
The man allegedly ran from the scene, leaving behind the backpack and handbag.
A number of patrons attempted to intervene and reported the incident to police.
The older woman was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Concord Hospital with head injuries, where she remains in a stable condition.
Detectives attached to Auburn Police Area Command attended and commenced an investigation into the incident.
Following extensive investigations and a public appeal for information, police arrested a 42-year-old man at a home on Beach Road in Batehaven about 3.30pm today (Tuesday 19 October 2021).
He was taken to Batemans Bay Police Station.
Inquiries are continuing.
