An unidentified woman who was seen assaulting and robbing another patron in a Columbia bar last week is being sought by Howard County police.
A surveillance tape of the incident, which took place on May 29 at about 2 a.m. at the Second Chance Saloon, has been released by police.
According to police, the 27-year-old woman who was attacked after walking into the bar in the 5800 block of Robert Oliver Place did not know her attacker and did not have any communication with her prior to the incident. Police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn said Tuesday said that the video was edited, but "it actually does look like the suspect is standing in that spot and determining who was going to be her victim." Several people passed by the suspect before she assaulted her victim.
In the video released by police, the suspect clothelined the victim with her arm. The victim immediately went down to the ground and the suspect reached down and took the victim's purse before leaving the bar. Llewellyn said that the victim, who suffered what police characterized as minor injuries to her face and neck, was treated at the scene and released.
The suspect is described as a black female, approximately 230 pounds, 5 feet 5 with dark brown hair in a pony tail. She was wearing a short-sleeved yellow shirt and a short black skirt or shorts. Anyone with information about the suspect's identity or whereabouts is asked to call the Stop Crime Tip Line at 410-313-STOP. Callers may remain anonymous.
A $500 reward is being offered for information leading to the suspect's identity and arrest.