|
Post by Vince on Sept 20, 2007 20:25:59 GMT -5
Woman fends off purse-snatching suspect with knife Lars Jacoby The Arizona Republic Sept. 20, 2007 02:03 PM
A suspected purse-snatcher had the tables turned on him early Thursday morning after the targeted victim slashed his arms with a knife as he attempted to steal the 21-year-old woman's purse.
Filemon del Hoyo, 22, was arrested in Mesa after police say he tried to rob a woman who had left a Applebee's restaurant at Baseline and Gilbert roads.
Two other suspects were arrested as well, Abel Lorenzo Reyes, 18, and Isidro Mendoza, 22, both of Mesa. According to Gilbert police spokesman, Lt. Eric Shuhandler, the victim was walking south on Gilbert Road when she noticed a parked car that "looked suspicious to her" and armed herself with a knife "just in case."
Shuhandler said the suspect walked briskly toward the woman and asked her for a cigarette. After she said no, he grabbed her shoulder-strap purse and she fought back.
"(The suspects) were looking for somebody to rob and they drove around for 20 minutes and found her, and good for her," Shuhandler said.
The victim wasn't hurt and kept her purse, police said.
Del Hoyo fled the scene and was arrested a short time later near Eighth Street and Gilbert Road in Mesa along with Reyes and Mendoza.
The arrest was in cooperation with Mesa police.
Del Hoyo was transported to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn, where Shuhandler said he underwent surgery for his knife wounds.
|
|
|
Post by Vince on Sept 20, 2007 20:27:18 GMT -5
This is a great example of someone being aware of their surroundings. It might have been to late for her to get to her knife the instant the guy grabbed her purse. It could have just as easily have been someone trying for a sucker punch. Situational awareness is key. Big props to her.
|
|