Durham police search for men who attacked 2 shoppers at Northgate Mall
DURHAM (WTVD) -- A holiday shopping trip isn't supposed to end with cuts, scrapes and bruises. However, a violent attack in the parking lot of Northgate Mall has left two women recovering from minor injuries.
"They grabbed my sister's purse and then popped me in the mouth when they couldn't get my purse," said one of the victims, who asked not to be identified.
The two women, ages 55 and 71, encountered a group of men as they headed to their car just a few feet away from the mall entrance.
The older sister was knocked to the ground while the other fought off her attackers and clung to her bag.
"When I was lying there on the ground struggling to keep my purse, I was thinking 'Am I going to get stabbed over this purse,'" she recalled.
Her screams scared the men and they fled the scene, but not before turning a holiday shopping trip into holiday horror.
"Unfortunately, this is the time of the year that it happens because everyone is shopping," said the woman offering a word of warning for other shoppers.
"Typically, I wouldn't take a purse in and out of the mall with me. Again, I was helping an elderly sister, really thinking about her more than I was my safety," she added.
The attack may have been caught on surveillance cameras in the parking lot. The victims say Durham Police arrived within minutes, but they say mall security never came.
Northgate Mall management says it has a partnership with Durham Police and the Durham County Sheriff's Office.
"Northgate Mall strives to provide a positive and enjoyable shopping experience for everyone," said Rich Kelton in a written statement. "We encourage all of our patrons to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times especially during the holidays. If a concern should arise patrons should call Northgate Security directly at (919) 286-1235 or dial 911 for assistance."
