Suspect Arrested for Recent Series of Violent Robberies

By KELLY FITZPATRICK Berkely,California,USA

Jahton Green, a 21-year-old Oakland resident, is believed to be responsible for eight violent attacks on senior citizens over a period of three months, said Berkeley police Sgt. Mary Kusmiss.

Green was charged last week with two counts of second-degree robbery with great bodily injury, grand theft and possession of stolen property.

He is currently being held at Santa Rita County Jail without bail.

The attacks began on November 17, 2007, when Green stole an 82-year-old woman's purse and knocked her to the ground, fracturing her hip.

In the most recent incident, Green brutally beat a 93-year-old Berkeley man, forced himself into the man's condominium and stole his wallet, credit cards and $320 in cash.

"There were serious injuries in all of the cases," Kusmiss said. "The possibility of death was certainly there."

According to Kusmiss, detectives are confident that Green is responsible for all eight attacks, but thus far he has only been charged in connection with four incidents.

In the most serious cases, the victims suffered serious or permanent injury, requiring hospitalization and surgery.

"(The attacks) really do exemplify that elders are particularly vulnerable to this type of crime," she said.

Kusmiss said crime against elders is best prevented when people look out for one another.