Walker attacked, phone stolen in Raleigh

Saturday, July 12, 2014
Walker attacked, phone stolen in Raleigh
A woman walking on Halifax Street in Raleigh was shoved to the ground and had her i-Phone stolen in broad daylight Friday.

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- People in Raleigh's downtown Halifax Community are looking over their shoulders following an attack and robbery near the new community center Friday.

According to police, the call came in around 11:30 a.m. Someone approached a woman from behind, near the intersection of Halifax Street and Oak Chase Lane. She was walking and wearing earbuds, when the man pushed her down and stole her phone.

"Now that I hear that, it's a little worrying," said Kate Mehltretter, who happened to be walking her dog and wearing earbuds when eyewitness news told her about it. "I'll probably be more careful about walking with my earbuds in so that I don't have people sneak up behind me."

Following the attack, the Halifax Community Park that's usually crowded with parents, kids, dogs and recreation -- lauded for its safety -- was flooded with police and K9 units.

"Nothing happens here, but there are lots of little neighborhoods and streets in there where I feel like that kind of thing could happen if there's not a lot of people around," said Mehltretter.

Investigators don't have a good description of the suspect who got away, but want people who know anything about the case to call them.

Some concerned residents like Martell Phillips said they'll probably change up their routines following the disturbing news.

"I go to the store - like one, two in the morning all the time," said Phillips. "So, I mean it makes me a little cautious."

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