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Purse snatching victim fights back
Crimes can happen anywhere, any time. Even if you feel you are in a safe place, always be on guard; you never know when you might become the victim of a crime. At 10:45 a.m. on December 4, a 28 year-old woman was conducting business at a bank located inside a supermarket at 18631 N. 19th Ave. As she was filling out paperwork at the counter, she placed her purse down on the counter beside her. That’s when a 20 year-old Hispanic woman grabbed the purse and ran out the west doors of the store. The victim chased after the suspect in an effort to get her purse back. During the pursuit, the suspect threw the purse down and continued running westbound in the parking lot only to trip and fall; this allowed the victim to catch up to her. A struggle ensued between the two women during which time the suspect began screaming for her back-up. An adult Hispanic male drove up in a 1997 green Ford pickup truck, got out, and pulled the victim off his partner. Both suspects jumped into the pickup truck. The victim held the door of the pickup truck open in an attempt to stop them from escaping. At this point a bystander came over to help, but the suspects were able to drive off and both victims were thrown to the ground. The rear tires went over their legs, causing bruises, bumps and abrasions. Both victims were treated for their injuries.
These two suspects are still sought by police. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. For Spanish call 480-TESTIGO. While no one was seriously injured in this incident, this case demonstrates the dangers involved in confronting suspects. Although it is certainly legal to use the amount of force that is reasonable and necessary to stop a crime, it is also dangerous to confront suspects. The best recommendation is to be a good witness, follow a suspect to get a complete suspect description, vehicle and license plate, and call 911 immediately.