A Springfield man was arrested Monday night for allegedly attacking a senior citizen with a tree branch and stealing her purse.

Nicholas A. Ward, 24, was taken to Sangamon County Jail after police arrested him a short time later.

The attack happened just after 6:30 p.m. According to Springfield police, the victim, a 65-year-old woman, arrived at a home there, and as she walked up to the door a man armed with a large branch approached her from behind. He struck her in the back of the head with the branch, knocking her to the ground. He then snatched the woman’s purse and fled into a nearby park.

Police began searching the area and used a dog to track the man. During the search, a nearby resident saw a man acting suspiciously near a parked car and went to confront him. The man ran from the resident but left behind some of the property that had been taken from the victim.

The resident called police to report the incident. He recognized the man as Ward and was able to provide police with his name.

Police found Ward a short time later and arrested him. They are seeking charges of armed robbery, aggravated battery and theft.

The victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

State Journal-Register