90-Year-Old Robbed While Walking Home With Groceries

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minneapolis Police officers are calling it a horrific robbery.

They say two women threatened a 90-year-old women as she walked home with her groceries.

Police released photos of the two women they believe robbed Marguerite Cornish. They think the women have been involved in a string of crimes.

(credit: Minneapolis Police Department)

Cornish gets a lot more than just food from her weekly visits to Oxendale's Market, near Lake Nokomis.

"Over the years I have developed a beautiful friendship with all the people who work there and we're just like family," she said. "That's why I like to go there. Not only that but they have very good produce."

The spunky shopper and her husband chose the neighborhood more than 40 years ago.

"Even at 90 I like to get out and walk," she said.

While doing just that and pushing a cart home from her beloved grocery, she had a less than friendly encounter.

She said two women started following her in an SUV and got out as she pulled into her neighbor's.

"The older lady came out and she says, 'I have a gun under my blouse,'" Cornish said. "She said, 'I want your money.' I was stunned. I couldn't say a word. I just stood there."

One of the woman yanked Cornish's purse and left as she used her call button for help.

"I'm sure it just scared the living daylights out of her and she'll never forget that the rest of her life," Minneapolis Police Inspector Michael Sullivan said. "We're absolutely sorry that happened."

Marguerite says she is shaken but she's showing amazing grace.

"I feel for the ladies and I pray for them," she said. "Maybe God can turn their lives around."

Police think the women got away in a small dark-colored SUV, but they're looking for more tips.

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send an anonymous tip to CRIMES (274637) and begin message with: TIP674.

If the tip leads to an arrest and conviction, there may be a reward.