MIAMI (WSVN) - An elderly woman was attacked by a robber while she checked the mail outside her Miami home.
Seventy-two-year-old Aracely Ramirez Novales’ home surveillance was rolling as the man ran up to the victim from across the street and tried to snatch her purse, Wednesday, at around 7:30 p.m.
“He pulled me by my purse, but he couldn’t take it because I was holding onto it and the fence, so he couldn’t make me fall,” she said.
He tugged at the purse, but Ramirez Novales wasn’t going down easy. “Just surprised by a man that grabs onto her purse,” said Miami Police Officer Kenia Fallat. “There is somewhat of a struggle. She obviously gains control of her purse.”
The subject gave up and ran off. However, he managed to grab a gold chain in the process.
“She only suffered some bumps and bruises but was in somewhat shock,” Fallat said. “The only person that came to her aid was someone that was on the opposite side of that sidewalk, but we do know there were cars that were driving by, and perhaps was able to capture not just a description of the man but perhaps a car.”
The robbery happened in the area of Southwest 62nd Court.
Novales told 7News that the necklace was a family memento. Fortunately, she later found the chain’s gold cross in the grass nearby.
Now she said she will be changing her daily routine. “Yes, I even changed my purse,” Novales said. “Now I walk like I have four eyes. Walking and looking everywhere around me.”
The victim’s nephew said he is now worried for her safety. “It’s really dangerous, because he could’ve taken her purse, thrown her to the ground and caused a bad injury,” he said.
Novales has a message for the man who almost got away with her belongings. “May God forgive him,” she said. “I forgave him as well.”
Police have released a description of the subject. They believe he might be between the ages of 40 and 45 years old, 5 foot 8 to 5 foot 10. He was wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans and white shoes at the time of the robbery.
If you have any information on this robbery, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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