PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced charges on Tuesday against Janhyi Boyd, 20, for allegedly robbing a 94-year-old woman at a Rite Aid pharmacy in Germantown in October. The incident took place on October 18 at a store located on the 100 block of West Chelten Avenue.
Boyd is facing multiple charges, including second-degree felony robbery, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and evading arrest. According to prosecutors, Boyd approached the elderly woman while she was waiting for a prescription and attempted to forcibly take her purse. The woman resisted, holding onto her purse as Boyd dragged her across the floor.
During the struggle, an envelope containing $42 fell from the woman’s purse, which Boyd allegedly picked up before attempting to flee. Police officers responded to the scene quickly and apprehended Boyd as he tried to escape, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
District Attorney Krasner condemned the attack, emphasizing the DA’s commitment to protecting older residents. “I want residents to know that our Elder Justice Unit is committed to holding accountable defendants who prey upon some of our city’s most vulnerable,” Krasner said. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alex Blumenthal, who supervises the Elder Justice Unit.
The incident has raised concerns about crimes targeting elderly residents, and officials encourage the public to report similar offenses to the Elder Justice Unit.