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2 accused of robbing Lowell woman in wheelchair

LOWELL, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Two Lowell teenagers have been charged with robbing a woman, who has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair, on a city street last week.

Norma Holmes, 58, told FOX 25's Jarrod Holbrook the two teens robbed her in broad daylight on March 27. Lowell Police Capt. Kelly Richardson called the incident "disturbing to say the least."

Elvin Alvarez, 18, and a 16-year-old juvenile were both arrested for unarmed robbery. The teens were arraigned Wednesday, but the judge allowed Alvarez to hide from the cameras.

Investigators say they have video of the two teens walking up behind Holmes just before they snatched her pocket book from her neck. One of the suspects reportedly acted as a lookout while the other made the grab. Both then fled on foot.

"I just felt somebody touching my shoulder. I didn't even feel a tug," Holmes said.

Police say the teens stole $40 in cash, as well as Holmes' EBT card.

Investigators have video of the teens using her EBT card at a nearby grocery store.

However, Holmes is most upset about the pictures that were inside her wallet, which she will likely never see again.

"And I had a little photo book that I'm not gonna' [sic] be able to get back, which had pictures of me when I was a little girl," Holmes said.

According to Alvarez's defense attorney, the 18-year-old is a member and actively involved in UTEC, the United Teen Equality Center. The UTEC is a support program that helps teens steer clear of violence and gang activity.

Holmes' family is helping her find some new pictures to replace the ones that were stolen.

Alvarez was issued a $500 cash bail. Both he and the 16-year-old are expected back in court later in April.