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Tempe police investigating after woman attacked outside cafe

Posted at 5:10 PM, Oct 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-03 22:20:41-04

The pictures are hard to look at, but a Tempe mom wants her story told so she can warn others about her brutal robbery and attack. 

"As soon as I ran out, my busboy Kirk, was holding her," said Doree Bentivenga, a manager at Crackers Cafe.

Bentivenga was the manager on duty Saturday when she says her long-time customer was robbed in the parking lot.

"It is very scary, it's scary coming back here in the morning, it's scary leaving here at the end of the day," she said.

Bentivenga says her employee, armed with his tray of dirty plates and dishes, went after the guy, to try and stop him.

"He ran out, and just swung into action, I mean his tray, everything was laid out ,cups being thrown at this guy," said Bentivenga.

Police say the suspect, struck in the middle of the afternoon, around 2:30 p.m.

Investigators say the attacker may have left DNA and fingerprints behind.

"The victim said that she recalled as she was being punched numerous times in the head, she felt her head hitting the asphalt," said Tempe Police Sgt. Josie Montenegro.

The suspect is described as a Black man between 20 and 30 years old. The victim estimates he's about 5'5" to 5'6" tall. However, some witnesses said he looked as tall as 6'4". He was wearing what's described as "nice, almost business like clothes" during the attack: A white shirt and black pants. The suspect has a bald or shaven clean head, and had diamond stud earrings.

There's no surveillance video that's turned up yet.

The victim has severe bruises to her face and eyes. She has a number of stitches in the back of her head and around her eye. 

If you know anything, call the Tempe Police Department.