A $500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man who robbed an elderly woman Friday afternoon in downtown Union.

Around 1 p.m., public safety officers were called to 121 West Main St., where they found the 66-year-old victim on the ground with Dena Palmer, Dennis Howell and Roger Bailey holding umbrellas over her. The victim had blood on her clothing. Cpl. Tommy Hart, who knew the victim, called for Union County EMS.

The victim said a man grabbed her purse and pulled her down.

One witness said she saw the man with the purse run out of the alley towards South Herndon and then South Street.

Other witnesses described the clothing the man was wearing. They said he was black and was wearing a black zip-up hoodie. He was 20 to 30 years old.

The black and yellow Vera Bradley purse contained medication, a check book, address book $20 to 30 in cash, a debit card, a Social Security card, driver’s license and keys.

The victim suffered two broken bones in her left shoulder and cuts and abrasions on her hands.

First Sgt. Troy Wright said an individual not connected with Union County Crime Stoppers has offered the $500 reward in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the public safety department at 429-1713.

Charged in robbery

Stevie Laron Harris, 17, of 215 Tate Ave., Union, was charged Thursday by the Union Public Safety Department with strong-armed robbery.

An arrest warrant signed by Investigator Brian Bailey said Harris used force or intimidation to take $3 from a victim on March 5. The victim was on his way to the store to buy cigarettes.

Drug arrest

A Union man is the 25th person arrested in a joint drug sweep.

Michael Antonio Land, 24, of 300 Ravenscroft St., was charged Friday with distribution of marijuana and distribution of marijuana within proximity of a park

Arrest warrants signed by Investigatgor Mickey Parker said Land sold marijuana to a confidential informant with the Union Public Safety Department on Feb. 4 on Cornwell Street. The sale occurred within one-half mile of the park on Perrin Avenue.

So far, 25 people have been arrested in “Operation Spring Clean” a joint effort by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Union Public Safety Department and the Jonesville Police Department.

Break-in interrupted

Friday morning around 4 a.m. Sgt. Larry Robinson received a call that three black men were attempting to break into Keenan’s Barber Shop on 214 North Pinckney St. When Robinson arrived, he saw one man running toward the back of the business. The back door was standing open.

Nothing was thought to be missing at the time of the report. Damage was estimated at $100.