87-year-old woman attacked and robbed by man at Bellaire Transit Center, police say

BELLAIRE, Texas (KTRK) -- A man with an extensive criminal record is behind bars after police say he punched an 87-year-old woman in the face while attempting to rob her of her purse.

It happened on Saturday afternoon at the Bellaire Transit Center on Bellaire Boulevard at Rice.

Osnely Valdes-Fiallo told Eyewitness News he had just pulled into the transit center on the No. 49 bus when he witnessed the violent attack.

"It's one old lady, which may be grandmother," said Valdes-Fiallo.

Valdes-Fiallo got off the bus and ran after the woman's attacker, holding him for METRO police officers.

Columbus Sargent, who is listed as homeless in court records, was charged with aggravated robbery.

Records show his criminal history dates back over 20 years and includes things like burglary, assault, and robbery.

The victim's family told Eyewitness News she was out of the hospital as of Monday afternoon.