Elderly Lakewood Woman Survives Being Shot In The Face
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4/AP) - Lakewood police say they're looking for a man suspected of shooting and robbing a 72-year-old woman at her home.
Police say they are searching for Melvin Nelson, 60. Authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous.
The woman, identified as Charlene Clay, was hospitalized with serious injuries after getting shot in the face. Police say Nelson knew Clay but officials have not released specifics. Police believe Nelson was trying to rob Clay.
"She let him in to talk to him and it appears that his motives were to rob her. I think he assumed that she kept cash on hand," Clay's son Mark Clay said. "He demanded money apparently and she said, 'No,' and he shot her in the face three or four times."
Clay's purse was taken. Her 96-year-old mother, who lives with Clay, found her shot but couldn't see well enough to dial 911. Clay, still conscience and able, called paramedics herself.
Nelson is wanted on suspicion of attempted murder and aggravated robbery of an at-risk adult.
Nelson has a long rap sheet which includes pleading guilty to second-degree murder about 30 years ago. Police say he's transient and moves around from motel to motel. He's often seen on the Colfax corridor and goes by the name of "Catfish." Clay was able to tell police to look for him.
Police said Nelson was driving a stolen gold 2000 Ford Explorer and may be heading to Craig. On Monday police were also looking for Crystal Santisteven, 28, who also goes by the name Crystal Larocco. Police wanted to talk with her because she was last seen with Nelson. They later said they found her, but Nelson was still on the loose.
Anyone with information on Nelson's whereabouts is asked to contact Lakewood police.
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