A Columbia woman walking home from a restaurant where she worked in the Columbia Crossing Shopping Center was struck on the back of the head and knocked unconscious Tuesday night, Howard County police said.

The assailant stole the woman's purse, which contained several hundred dollars, police said.

The woman, whom police would not identify, was walking along Tamar Drive at Sweetwind Place when she was struck with an unknown object, police said.

After she regained consciousness, she walked home and called authorities.

Police said she was taken to Howard County General Hospital for treatment.

Pub Date: 10/08/98