Police in Boca Raton said a shopper was attacked while walking to her car Sunday outside a popular mall.
The incident occurred just after 4:30 p.m. in the east parking lot at the Town Center at Boca Raton.
Investigators said the victim was walking toward her vehicle from the mall with a shopping bag. The attacker approached and pepper-sprayed the victim before pulling at the handle of her shopping bag.
A struggle ensued and the attacker fled on foot without gaining possession of the bag, according to law enforcement. The victim sustained minor injuries.
WPTV’s Zitlali Solache spoke with shoppers, who say they are not letting their guard down.
“I’ll probably be a little more vigilant,” stated Gabriella Alexander. “Definitely safe to stay hyper-vigilant, try not to carry much valuables on myself.”
Another shopper, Ana Castro, says she was a victim of an attempt robbery at the mall back in 2021.
“I am very careful with this. I leave my car in valet parking all the time because I am afraid I know it’s not the first time,” stated Castro. “This mall needs more security people here working.”