MOM FIGHTS OFF PURSE-SNATCHER
DRAGGED THROUGH STREET BUT HOLDS ON TO BAG
A woman clinging to her purse was dragged down the street by a Bronx mugger, startling video released Tuesday shows.
The 47-year-old victim was walking on University Ave. near W. Tremont Ave. in University Heights when the crook grabbed her purse about 8:30 a.m. March 8, cops said.
She was taking her daughter to school when the creep struck, the victim’s son told the Daily News.
“She was dragged by her purse that she was holding onto,” said the son, who declined to give his name. “She had a good grip on it, so he didn’t get it. By pulling on it, she fell forward and then she was dragged.”
The brute eventually gave up and ran off. He has not been caught.
The victim’s son said his mom’s purse contained nothing very valuable. “We’re low income, like, we don’t even have money like that,” he said, speaking in Spanish. “My mom doesn’t wear jewelry … I think the attacker just wanted to go for someone that looked weak, a woman just taking her daughter to school.”
The victim suffered minor injuries and later took herself to the hospital. She declined to speak to a reporter and wished not to be named.
“When she called me she was actually in the hospital because she felt weak when she fell,” her son said. “I feel very worried. It’s not safe out there. You just never know what’s gonna happen.”
“This could happen to anybody. It could happen to a little child, it could happen to a pregnant woman,” he added. “You have to keep a very low profile when you’re in the street. Just absorb, be aware of your surroundings.”
Cops released video of the incident Tuesday and asked the public’s help identifying the suspect, who is described as about 18 with a medium build. He was wearing a black jacket, gray sweatpants and black boots.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS.