An East Frankford man has been ordered to stand trial for mugging a 94-year-old woman on Easter Sunday as she walked home from the Bell’s Corner Supermarket.
Antonio Santiago, 29, of the 2200 block of Kennedy St., is charged with aggravated assault, robbery and related offenses. He is scheduled for a Common Pleas Court arraignment on July 5.
The victim, whose identity authorities have withheld, was walking along the 8300 block of Loretto Ave. at about 2 p.m. on April 8 when Santiago allegedly approached her from behind, grabbed her pocketbook, pulled her to the ground and fled on foot. The woman suffered a broken arm and numerous cuts and bruises.
A surveillance camera filmed the attack. Police retrieved the video and distributed it publicly in hope of identifying the mugger.
Based on civilian tips, detectives contacted Santiago, who reported to Northeast Detectives voluntarily for questioning. While arresting Santiago, police allegedly found a small amount of heroin in his possession and charged him with drug possession, in addition to the robbery-related offenses.
Santiago’s preliminary hearing began on May 16 with testimony from the victim. The hearing resumed on June 14 with testimony from additional witnesses.
In addition to robbery and aggravated assault, Municipal Court Judge Jacquelyn Frazier-Lyde ordered Santiago to stand trial for theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault and reckless endangerment, as well as drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Assistant District Attorney Lauren McHale is prosecuting the case. The public defender’s office represents Santiago, who has been convicted of robbery twice before and has other arrests on his record for burglary and rape.
Santiago remains in jail in lieu of $200,000 bail. ••
