SWAMPSCOTT — Police are investigating after a woman was able to fend off an armed man who tried to steal her purse near Stop & Shop last week.
An officer was flagged down by the woman as he was driving through the access road of the Swampscott Mall, 450 Paradise Road, shortly after 7 p.m. last Friday, July 17, police said.
Due to a language barrier, the officer requested the assistance of a Spanish-speaking officer, who learned that the woman had been the victim of an attempted robbery in the plaza, police said.
The woman told police the suspect, described as a light-skinned black man who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, came out of the bushes as she was walking to Vinnin Square, grabbed the shoulder strap of her bag and attempted to take it from her while holding a knife, police said.
The man had come from the grassy area behind Stop & Shop, which police said is a common access area that cuts between Essex Street and the back parking lot area of the grocery store.
“She explained that she was able to shove the man, causing him to stumble and run off in the direction of Salem,” said Police Sgt. Jay Locke. “This shove gave her enough space to safely get away.”
Police searched the area, but were not able to locate the suspect. The victim was shaken up by the incident and given a ride home by responding officers, police said.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
