Neighbors of a 91-year-old woman who was stabbed during a robbery gathered signatures for a get-well card for the Crystal Creek Apartment resident on Wednesday.

Apartment dwellers were seen going about their every day business one day after the aggravated robbery while giving motorists inside the complex a second glance.

One senior citizen who asked to be called “Loretta,” said she didn’t know the woman who was stabbed but lives across from her.

“I wish her well,” Loretta said as she walked to a community building in the complex. “There’s a card being passed around today for her.”

Loretta said all apartment complexes need more security, especially with the number of people who drive through.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Police are hoping to locate witnesses who saw a panhandler near the 8100 block of Honeywood Trail.

The man, police believe, may lead officers to the identity of the person who stabbed and robbed a 91-year-old woman Tuesday afternoon.

Port Arthur Police Sgt. Scott Gaspard said about 20 minutes before the woman was attacked they received a call, about 3:37 p.m. Feb. 10, of a suspicious person in the area of Crystal Creek Apartments. Before officers arrived, a second call was received about the stabbing.

The suspect entered the woman’s apartment through an unlocked door and told the woman he was with the apartment management. He then asked the woman for $5 and when she told the man she didn’t have the money, he attacked her, Gaspard said.

The suspect fled the scene on foot with property stolen from the woman’s apartment.

Police recovered the woman’s purse, the contents of which were scattered for about three blocks, in an area the suspect was last seen traveling. Bloodhounds were brought to the scene to assist in the search but the suspect was not located.

The victim was transported to the Intensive Care Unit at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth where she is listed in stable condition. She is expected to recover, Gaspard said.

“But any time you have someone who is 91 receive these type of injuries, there’s the potential for danger, that’s why she was sent to the ICU,” he said.

Gaspard said investigators are following up on leads in the hope of delivering some justice for the victim.

The stabbing suspect is described as a thin black male with a dark complexion. At the time of the incident he was wearing all black clothing including a windbreaker with a quilted-like top.

Anyone with information about this crime or who saw the man who was panhandling in the area of Crystal Creek Apartments Tuesday afternoon are urged to call EasTex Crime Stoppers at 724-TIPS. You will not be asked your name and could earn a cash reward.

mmeaux@panews.com