BSO: Man Violently Robs Woman With Kids Outside Supermarket
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WESTON(CBSMiami) -- A mother walking out of a Weston grocery store with her two kids was ambushed by a man trying to rob her, deputies say.
The victim in this case told CBS4's Peter D'Oench by telephone that she wanted everyone -particularly women - to be vigilant and always remain "on guard." She also said she was not hurt but said she and her children were still very upset about the incident.
The unidentified robber violently grabbed the 37-year-old woman's purse with such force that he tore her shirt in the process, according to deputies.
Investigators say the woman was heading to her car on the afternoon of July 19th in the parking lot of the Publix located at 2465 Glades Circle when the robber ran up to her.
After he grabbed her purse which had her phone, wallet and bank cards, deputies say, he got into a waiting car nearby - possibly a black Mustang with tinted windows.
Deputies have released security footage images of the man they are looking for.
BSO spokeswoman Gina Carter said, "This victim did what she should have done. She gave up her purse to avoid violence because she was worried about the safety of her children. She wanted to make sure they were safe."
They say the robber was described as a black male in his 20s, about 6-feet tall, with an athletic build and short hair.
Carter said, "We recommend to the public that everyone by vigilant and look around. Do everything you can to be safe."
A police report said the victim did not see a weapon and the robber did not speak.
Publix customers said they were concerned about the incident at a store that is a quiet and peaceful area.
Ines Mijon said, "It's definitely not safe. I am very shocked. Now I will have to be more careful. I haven't heard about a purse snatching so violent."
"I normally take precautions," she said. "I hold my purse like this and I get into my car with my purse. I lock it. I also am not on the phone when walking from the store and I am aware of my surroundings."
Another Publix customer, Charlotte Tommie, said, "I look around at my surroundings. And I make sure there are no creepy looking people."
Anyone with information is asked to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS. There's a reward of up to $3,000 for anyone with information leading to an arrest in the case.
