A 24-year-old woman was robbed and punched several times by another woman who approached her Thursday around 9:30 p.m. near the Stanford Shopping Center, according to Palo Alto police.

The suspect then fled toward Stanford campus from the scene, near Wells Fargo Bank at 600 Quarry Road, said a police department spokesperson.

The victim called the police and described the suspect as an approximately five-foot-six, 200-pound woman in her 20s. Officers who arrived at the scene attempted a canine search, but the scent was lost in the groves south of Quarry Road due to the rain.

The victim reported that her purse, which contained some cash and personal items, was stolen.

She said the suspect punched her about 10 times in the face before the suspect ran away.

The victim was taken to Stanford Hospital for treatment at her request, but suffered no serious injuries.

–Cristiana Giannini