A nine-year-old girl received a medal for heroism after fending off a robber who attacked her mother while they were shopping in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Nine-year-old girl fights off a thief who attacked her mother during a shopping spree
Surveillance footage shows Journee Nelson fighting off the thief after he tried to take her mother’s purse on Nov. 2.
“I fought back. I had to save my mother,” she told reporters.
Her mother, Danielle Mobley, wrestled with the thief, whom police have named Demetrius Jackson.
“We wrestled for the purse. He pushed me to the ground,” Mobley testified.
Journee sprang into action and punched Jackson in the face before he pushed her off and ran away.
WOW. A 9-year-old girl ran to her mom’s defense this month when a man attempted a daytime robbery along Broadway Ave. @WestPalmPD will recognize the child today for her bravery. 🌟A man was later charged with robbery and battery causing great bodily harm. @WPTV @FOX29WFLX pic.twitter.com/hOqQfbqr07
— Ashleigh Walters (@AshleighWalters) November 18, 2021
“That’s when I let it go and figured he would take off. I didn’t expect him to run off after him,” Mobley said.
The nine-year-old girl chased the man for five blocks, but failed to catch him, reports 7 News Miami. He was arrested two days after the attack.
On Thursday, West Palm Beach Police Chief Frank Adderley presented Journee with a medal and certificate for his heroism.
“I wouldn’t recommend confronting an individual like that, but in the heat of the moment things happen,” he said. I bet he was surprised when she hit him right in the face because you could definitely tell from the video that he wasn’t expecting that, and his actions were perfect timing in this particular situation.”
“I’m very proud that that was his initial reaction,” Mobley said. “I wish that, at times, things could be a little different because she’s still dealing with this mentally.”
Jackson has since been charged with robbery and assault.
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