Action 3 News - Omaha, Nebraska News, Weather, and Sports | Crook Tries To Cut Woman's Purse, Slices Her Arm Instead
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Omaha, NE - Police are on alert after an armed purse snatcher injures his victim and takes off. The suspect attempts to cut the victims purse straps but slices her arm instead!
Women clutch their purses tightly as they walk through downtown Omaha after a violent attack for a lady's purse. "It's scary! Absolutely scary!" says one woman who asks to remain anonymous.
Late Sunday Night a man boldly attacks a 33-year-old woman in the area of 16th and Howard in downtown Omaha. Officer Jake Bettin says the attempted purse snatching escalates when the crook whips out a sharp object. "The suspect tried to basically cut away the strap of her purse that was over her shoulder," says Officer Bettin. He adds the suspect misses and cuts the woman's arm. Her friend transported her to The Nebraska Medical Center where she was treated and released.
Bettin says there are ways you can protect yourself while carrying a purse late at night. First- always carry your keys in your hands. Second- buy mace. Bettin also recommends carrying your cell phone in your pocket, that way if someone does steal your purse you can still call 911. Another tip, walking in well lit areas and with a friend if you can.
With a purse cutting suspect loose on city streets women at night and during the day are more on guard. Nicole Luna says taking action to keep yourself safe shouldn't only happen in the downtown area. "You have to be safe where ever you are cause it can happen here it can happen at 180th, it's where ever," says Luna.
Reported By: Liz Dorland; ldorland@action3news.com
