Jane Santamaria, Robbery Victim In Security Footage, Speaks Out

The LAPD is asking for the public's help in finding a man who violently attacked 18-year-old Jane Santamaria in the lobby of her Pico-Union apartment building on Sunday at around 10pm. The man is described as 5'5" tall, weighing 180-200 lbs., Hispanic and between the ages of 25-35 years old.

As the surveillance footage shows, the unidentified suspect approached Santamaria from behind and wrapped his arm around her neck in an attempt to steal her purse, but robbed her of her cellphone instead.

The suspect repeatedly punched her and slammed her to the ground. Neighbors heard her screams and came to help, but by the time they arrived, the suspect had fled the scene.

Santamaria took ABC 7 through the crime scene and described what happened to her. She pointed to the lobby entrance and said, "That's where I walked in, and I felt him behind me, and I was like 'Woah!' and that's when it happened."

The 4'11" tall victim fought back against the much larger attacker -- even running after him. "I snapped into this mode where I was like boom, boom. I was trying to defend myself," Santamaria told KABC.

Watch ABC 7's video report and read the whole story here.

From the LAPD::

Anyone with information about this brutal attack is asked to call Olympic Robbery Detective's at 213-382-9460. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-523-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.