Robber punches woman for her purse in Buckhead

ATLANTA - Atlanta Police are searching for a violent robber who punched a woman in the face repeatedly to try to steal her purse and fought back to defend herself.

Police said the ordeal happened shortly before 7 p.m. Monday at the Lenox Marketplace shopping center, as the victim was walking back to her car in the parking deck after a shopping trip at Target.

"He started punching me on my face, and started punching me on the side of my head," said Matraya Lewis, 29, who is recovering from her injuries. "He didn't expect me to fight back," she said.

Lewis told FOX 5 News, she saw the man while walking to her car, then said he approached her again in her vehicle and demanded her purse. She said the man grabbed her bag but ended up dragging her down and causing them both to fall to the ground.

"He jumped on me... I remember screaming at the top of my lungs. He hit me about five times," she said.

Lewis said she kicked the man in the groin and believes she punched him, all while holding onto her bag.

Police said the man eventually fled as her friend and other shoppers tried to come to her rescue.
 
The victim is recovering from numerous cuts and bruises but wanted to speak out to help fellow women shoppers be aware of the attack.

The man is described as an African American male that is 5'7" in height, with a black sweater with writing on the front chest area. 

No word from police on whether the robber could be connected to other crimes in Buckhead or Metro Atlanta. Detectives in the case are reviewing surveillance of the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call Atlanta Police or Crime Stoppers.