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Police: Robbers Knock Elderly Woman Down, Grab Emergency Alarm From Her Walker

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Police have arrested four men accused of robbing an elderly woman in Crafton Heights, knocking her down and taking her emergency alarm remote before she could call for help.

The robbery happened at the woman's home in the 800-block of Dubois Street around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The four young men, identified by police as 18-year-old Denzelle Kendrick and 20-year-old Douglas Meggett both of Sheraden, as well as 19-year-old Malik Boyd of Braddock and 20-year-old Gregory McKeithen of Castle Shannon, are all facing charges of robbery, burglary and criminal conspiracy.

According to police, it all started when there was a knock at the 96-year-old victim's door.

When she answered, police say she found the four suspects at her door. When she reached for the emergency alarm attached to her walker, the suspects knocked her to the floor and took it from her.

Kristyna Wright, a neighbor said, "She's a poor old lady. She's nice, sits outside all summer, waves to everybody, and they just knew that they could get in there."

Police say the suspects then rummaged through her home and took several other items, then ran away.

The victim managed to crawl into her kitchen where she was finally able to call 911.

A short time later, investigators say officers pulled the suspects over nearby on Chartiers Avenue and Greenway School Drive.

Inside the vehicle, police say they found the stolen items along with the emergency alarm.

The men were arrested.

The woman suffered an injury to her hand and was taken to Ohio Valley Hospital to be treated.

Barbara Staruch, another neighbor, said the 96-year-old was in good spirits when being taken to the hospital.

Staruch said, "They're taking her out on the stretcher and I waved and she waved and she was smiling, and I mean, Annie's a tough lady. Thank God for that."

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