BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted for theft and elder abuse.

Around 11 a.m. on March 21, police said a 93-year-old woman was shopping at a grocery store on Ming Avenue when she was distracted by a female who spoke with her in the frozen food section of the store.

When she redirected her attention to her shopping cart, the woman noticed her purse was missing from the cart, Sgt. Mary DeGeare said.

Police said the woman depicted in the surveillance photos was observed to enter the store with nothing in her hands then exit with the purse.

She is described as a black between 18 and 20 years old. She is said to be 5 feet 5 inches tall and weigh 130 pounds.

Anyone with information related to the suspect’s identity is urged to call Detective Mills at 326-3907.