91-Year-Old Woman Fights Back During Burglary In Cobbs Creek
By Elizabeth Hur
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Victimized and fighting back after burglars break into her Cobbs Creek home!
The 91-year-old who took on her attackers spoke to Eyewitness News and explained why she says she feels sorry for them.
"Asked the Lord to keep me for another day," Audrey Washington recalled, "Somebody put their hand up to my face and I bit the finger."
The 91-year-old says she fought back when she walked in on a burglary. It happened Wednesday afternoon in the 6200 block of Carpenter Street, her home of 50 years.
"I put the key in the lock and opened the door and zoom something went over my head. They grabbed both my hands that had rings on, took my rings and I don't know what else happened after that," Washington said.
Neighbor Charles Gaines said, "Why? For what? It doesn't make sense."
Family Friend Eric Miller added, "If I was here, there would be an ambulance out in front of the house right now."
Neighbor and friends are outraged, calling the suspects cowards.
According to police, the two thieves broke in possibly through a back window and when interrupted, they ran away.
Police tell us the suspects took off with two rings, a suitcase along with a TV but they dropped everything but a ring while running away.
Lt. John Walker, Philadelphia Police said, "The suspects are described as two African American males, 18-21 years of age, one wearing a white Tshirt, the other wearing a black shirt, both between 5'8"-5'10". These are individuals the community should be very upset with and we need to get them off the streets because this could be anyone's mother, grandmother."
Washington, a retired teacher, says she was returning home from her daily visits to the senior center. She is now recovering from scratches and bruises.
"I'm sore first, I'm shocked that it happened to me because I never thought this would happen to me and mad at the same time," Washington said.
But she says don't feel bad for her instead pity her attackers who are now wanted for serious offenses after getting away with only her diamond ring.
Washington explained, "They're ruining their own lives more so than mine because mine will heal up and I'll probably get another ring."
Anyone with information is asked to call the police.
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