Woman fights off purse snatcher

A woman walking home from a bus stop in Lakeview Monday evening fought off a would-be purse snatcher, according to Nassau police. Another woman's purse was also stolen in an unrelated attack in Elmont, police said.

In the Lakeview attack, the woman, 24, was walking near Pinebrook Avenue and Keuka Road on Monday at about 7:53 p.m. when a man who was following her grabbed her purse, police said.

He punched her twice in the face, but the woman refused to give up the purse, and the man ran away empty-handed, according to police.

The woman suffered minor pain to her mouth and chin but refused medical treatment at the scene, police said. Officials would not release her name.

The Fifth Squad said a 52-year-old woman was also attacked Tuesday night in Elmont, losing her pocketbook to a man near Atherton Avenue and Terrace Avenue around 8 p.m.

That suspect also struck the woman in the head, throwing her to the ground. He escaped with the purse, which contained cash and credit cards, police said.

A Nassau police spokeswoman said it's not wise to fight back against robbers. Police also said they don't believe the same person is responsible for attacking the women.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-8477. All calls will be kept confidential.