3-time cancer survivor pistol-whipped, robbed in California; 2 men sought

FONTANA, Calif. -- Fontana police are searching for two armed robbery suspects who ambushed and pistol whipped a three-time cancer survivor in a shopping center parking lot earlier this month.

The 53-year-old victim identified as Marybel Centeno suffered a fractured skull as a result of the assault, police said.

The incident occurred as Centeno left a Metro PCS store in the 16900 block of Foothill Boulevard around 7:20 p.m. on March 2.

"He was very direct, 'I want your necklace' and he ripped it off my neck," Centeno recalled.

Police said one of the two suspects grabbed Centeno by the back of her neck, pointed a gun at her and ripped off her gold chain necklace.

She struggled with the suspect and he dropped the weapon. Centeno said she ran after the suspects.

"I am a three time cancer survivor and I have always been a fighter," Centeno said.

But one of the suspects tackled Centeno and beat her, according to police.

Surveillance video showed the men fleeing the scene in a black, four-door, 1996 to 2002 Mercedes Benz E-class driven by a woman. The vehicle had tinted windows and possibly a sunroof.

The suspects were described as two men between 20 and 30 years old with thin builds. Officials said they believe the suspects may be responsible for two other attacks in Fontana.

"The connection appears to be the victim profile that they attacked Hispanic females each time and they've attacked jewelry and purses," Detective Matthew Roth with the Fontana Police Department explained.

"I am just totally determined to find these young men," Centeno said. "I hope that somebody will come forward and help."

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact Detective Roth at (909) 350-7724.