On Saturday night, a 74-year-old woman was pushed to the ground, and the suspect violently took the woman’s purse from her in the Grocery Outlet parking lot, according to the Irvine Police Department.
A woman who saw what happened chased after the suspect and, after a brief struggle, was able to get the victim’s purse back.
IPD officers rapidly responded to the area, and with the help of another citizen, they located the suspect hiding in the nearby movie theater.
Stheysi Radilla-Espinoza, 25, from Orange, was arrested for robbery, elder abuse, and battery.
We never want anyone to place themselves in danger, but we are thankful for the community members who stepped up to help the victim and assist in the suspect’s arrest.
Penalties faced by the Suspect
In 2025, Stheysi Radilla-Espinoza was charged in Orange County, California, with the following offenses related to the Christmas Day robbery of a 74-year-old woman:
- Robbery (Penal Code 211): One felony count. Robbery is punishable by two, three, or five years in state prison.
- Elder Abuse / Inflicting Injury on an Elder (Penal Code 368): One felony count. As a felony, this carries a sentence of two, three, or four years in state prison.
- Battery (Penal Code 242): Two misdemeanor counts for allegedly struggling with good Samaritans. Each count is punishable by up to six months in county jail and a $2,000 fine.
Potential Sentence Enhancements
Because the victim is 74 years old, the defendant could face increased penalties if the prosecution proves specific criteria:
- Great Bodily Injury: If the victim (aged 70 or older) had suffered “great bodily injury,” an additional five-year enhancement could have been added to the sentence. However, initial reports indicate the victim sustained only minor injuries.
- Fines & Probation: Convictions may also include fines up to $10,000, victim restitution, and formal probation.
It’s wonderful when the public steps in to help a senior, or any age. Thank you.