Merced Police say they arrested 29-year-old David Ruggiero after he attempted to rob a 73-year-old woman.

Authorities say Ruggiero was punched twice in the face by the seventy-three-year-old victim while he attempted to rob her in the Rite Aid parking lot.

The 73-year-old woman was shopping in the Rite-Aid when she witnessed McSwain get thrown out of the store by employees.

After shopping, the victim walked to her vehicle and noticed McSwain in the parking lot. McSwain approached her aggressively and attempted to rip her purse and car keys from her hands.

The victim, punched McSwain twice in the face with a closed fist before Officer Dehoyos arrived on scene.

McSwain was immediately taken into custody for attempted robbery. Witnesses on scene identified McSwain as the suspect. McSwain was transported to the Merced County Jail and booked for attempted robbery.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer DeHoyos at 209-388-7816 or by email at dehoyosa@cityofmerced.org.