Local

Ocoee purse snatching victim talks to WFTV about attack

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Channel 9 talked to the 74-year-old victim of a violent purse snatching that happened at an Ocoee Publix grocery store on Friday.

Police said they need the public's help in identifying the men who left the victim seriously injured.

"It's taken a mental toll and a physical toll on me," said victim Charlotte Dunaway. "It was a hard fall."

Dunaway had just walked into the Publix on Silver Star Road when one of the thieves grabbed her purse. The victim said she instinctively tried to hold onto the straps.

"He slung me to the floor and the cart turned over with me and it knocked me completely out," said Dunaway.

The woman said she woke up in a hospital bed.

"I had a brain injury and my brain was bleeding and I had broken my clavicle and was bruised up and down," said Dunaway.

Two other men are seen on surveillance video running out of the Publix and fleeing in a purple two-door vehicle. Police released composite sketches of the robbers on Tuesday.

The men got away with an expensive purse, $200 cash and credit cards, one of which was used at a gas station after the attack. Police said they're using that to help identify the suspects.

"I'd like to see them caught of course, and I'd like to see them get more than a slap on the hand," said Dunaway.

Anyone with information about the purse snatching is asked to contact the Ocoee Police Department.