VIDEO: Women robbed at gunpoint on 14th Street in Detroit
DETROIT (WJBK) - Detroit police are asking for help identifying robbers caught on video threatening women with a weapon.
The video from around 4:20 p.m. Nov 8 shows two women walking to their car in the 2100 block of 14th Street. A black Chrysler 200 pulls up and the two men get out the car, demanding the victims' purses.
The women are seen fleeing across the street as a male suspect produces a handgun, chasing after them. Complying, the women drop their purses and run off.
Detroit police say the suspects were later caught on video using a stolen credit card at a gas station.
One suspect is described as a heavy-set black male, wearing a black skull cap and armed with a handgun. The second is described as a black male with braids who was wearing a gray hoodie.
Surveillance video capturing the scary moment these women know something isn't right.
They were walking to their car in Corktown last week when this black Chrysler 200 pulls up. The driver rushes them pulling out a gun demanding their purses.
The women scramble for a second but thrown their purses down and make a run for it.
We showed the video to self-defense expert - Dale Brown of Threat Management in Detroit.
"They knew something was wrong, they were very aware of it," said Brown. "When you are least thinking about your surroundings that's when criminals strike and they tend to blend in."
These thieves were caught using the women's credit cards the very same day at a Detroit gas station they're still out there.
Brown says the women did the right thing throwing their purses - something we can learn from.
"Your purse is basically a decoy it carries nothing of value so you throw your purse down and leave your purse," Brown said.
Brown says the holiday shopping season is a perfect time for thieves like these guys to find crimes of opportunity - he says don't give then that opportunity.
Especially when walking to and from your car - take in your surroundings and assess any threats.
"One of the things you can do is say I see that person there and start talking to yourself saying what you're seeing and it shows a potential predator that he or she is thinking about what they are doing," Brown said.
Take a second and walk out of stores or restaurants with other people if possible and have your keys ready.
"Before you get into your circle look around look under your car, next to your vehicle," Brown said.
He says if you are approached like the women in Detroit whether or not you see a weapon - and assume they are armed and dangerous.
"The worst thing you can do in a situation like this where someone is trying to steal your purse is to fight back fighting over objects is totally counterproductive," Brown said.
Threat Management Center holds free classes for families every Friday night at their facility in Detroit.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Anyone with anymore is asked to call Detroit Police Department's Third Precinct at (313) 596-1340 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.