Scottsdale robber escapes after driving stolen van onto Silverado Golf Course

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Police said a man armed with a baseball bat robbed a woman in Scottsdale early Thursday before abandoning a stolen van on a golf course and fleeing officers.

A 66-year-old woman was walking on a sidewalk near 82nd Street and McDonald Road around 12:30 a.m. when a man drove up to her, according to police.

He reportedly got out of a 1994 Dodge van, which was reported stolen from Chandler, and came toward her carrying a baseball bat.

Police said the man demanded she give him her purse and, after a struggle, the woman fell to the ground.

Soon after the robbery, police spotted the vehicle near Hayden and Indian Bend roads.

Police said the man drove onto the Silverado Golf Course, got out of the van, and fled on foot before officers could take him into custody.

The victim’s purse was recovered from the suspect vehicle.

Police said the victim did not require medical attention.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male wearing dark clothing and a dark hooded sweatshirt.