A 71-year-old woman fought back against a group of teen girls trying to rob her in a Brooklyn subway station.
Linda Rosa, a retired MTA worker, was heading to church on New Year’s Day when four teens attacked her at Hoyt Street Station around 6 p.m.
One of the teens grabbed Rosa’s purse, but she refused to let go. “I thought, ‘This won’t happen today,’” Rosa said.
As she resisted, another teen joined the struggle, punching Rosa in the face and knocking her glasses to the ground.
While Rosa tried to hold onto her belongings, the teens grabbed a pouch with her ID and medical records.
The situation escalated when one teen stomped on Rosa after she fell. Fearing another attack, Rosa grabbed the teen by her braids and pulled her to the ground.
Another teen attempted to intervene, but Rosa twisted her hair too, holding them both facedown.
The other girls screamed for Rosa to let them go. Rosa shouted for help, but no one stepped in immediately.
After a tense moment, Rosa released the teens and began picking up her belongings. The attackers fled up the stairs as Rosa yelled she would call the police.
Despite her injuries, she made it to the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church, where staff called 911 and helped her.
Rosa was treated at The Brooklyn Hospital Center for minor injuries. She said she was thankful the teens didn’t have weapons and that she wasn’t seriously hurt. “Thank God I didn’t have a heart attack or stroke,” she said.
Police are still searching for the suspects, who were caught on surveillance cameras. Despite the attack, Rosa forgives them. “They don’t know what they’re doing. They’re just teenagers acting foolish,” she said.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of violence in NYC’s transit system. Rosa hopes her story raises awareness about safety. “It could happen to anyone, anywhere,” she warned.
The courage and resilience Rosa showed have inspired many, reminding us of the strength people can show in tough situations.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
