Police are looking for two suspects after a woman was held up at gunpoint during a 'bump and run' robbery in Eastlake.
According to police, the victim had just finished using an ATM machine and driven a short distance away when she was struck from behind by another vehicle near Lakeshore Boulevard and Reeves Road.
When the woman exited her car to inspect the damage, the occupants of the other vehicle pointed guns at her and ordered her to lay down on the ground.
The suspects took her cell phone and purse before fleeing the scene, police said.
"We’re not sure if they followed her from the bank, but if they did follow her from the bank, it's one of those awareness things," said Eastlake Police Chief Larry Reik. "Whenever you go to a bank or ATM, be aware of whats going on around you."
Reik said the crime was a first in the area in a long time.
The woman, who spoke to News 5 off-camera, is physically OK, but still badly shaken up.
A passerby came upon her distraught moments after the incident and initially, thought it was a hit-skip accident.
"She was so scared, she looked terrified," the witness said. "I just felt horrible for her, the sheer terror in her demeanor."
The two suspects were described as dark-skinned males about 25 to 30 years old. One was wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt. The other had on a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt. Both suspects were wearing jeans.
They drove off in an older model red SUV in an unknown direction, police said.
"What she did is a typical response, but if people are uncomfortable for any reason, roll up your windows, call 911, they’ll get the local agency in route," said Chief Reik. "Tell the people, the police are coming, I'll get out as soon as they get here. That should suffice for most people."
Euclid Police recovered the woman's purse on Euclid Ave. several hours later -- it was missing her car keys, wallet, and cash.
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