WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A 9-year-old girl took on a robber in West Palm Beach in order to protect her mother.
Newly released surveillance video captured the girl fighting the crook, who was attacking her mother.
Police said Journee Nelson and her mother were shopping for groceries when the subject tried to take her mom’s purse.
It was then when Nelson intervened.
“I fought back. I had to save my mom,” she said.
Police said the video shows Demetrius Jackson rushing the mother and grabbing her purse and taking off.
“We struggled over the purse. He pushed me down to the ground,” said Danielle Mobley.
Danielle Mobley’s daughter jumped into action. hitting Jackson before he pushed her down.
“That is when I let it go and figured he would take off, after him,” said Mobley.
But that’s what Journee did, chasing Jackson for five blocks.
Jackson was caught two days after the attack.
Thursday, the West Palm Beach Police chief gave Journee a medal and a certificate applauding her heroic efforts.
“I wouldn’t recommend that you confront an individual like that but in the heat of the moment things happen. I bet he was shocked when she kicked him right in the face because he definitely could tell on the video that he was not expecting that, and her actions were perfect timing in this particular situation, and I think she hit him pretty hard,” said Chief Frank Adderley.
“I’m very proud of her that was her initial reaction,” said Mobley. “I wish we, sometimes, things could be a little different because she is still dealing with this mentally.”
Both Journee and her mother feel better knowing that Jackson was caught.
He’s been charged with robbery and battery.
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