Journee Nelson being honored for her heroic actions.Photo: Palm Beach Police Department/Facebook
A 9-year-old girl is being hailed as a hero after she fought off an apparent robber who was reportedly attempting to steal her mother’s purse.
Journee Nelson didn’t think twice about protecting her mom Danielle Mobley after a man recently attacked her in West Palm Beach, Fox affiliateWSVNreported.
“I fought back,” Journee told the outlet. “I had to save my mom.”
The incident unfolded on Nov. 2 as Nelson and her daughter were finishing their grocery shopping at Sabor Tropical Supermarket, according to Fox affiliateWOFL.
Journee Nelson being honored for her actions.Palm Beach Police Department/Facebook
Mobley attempted to fight off the man, who reportedly told her to let go of the purse or “you’re going to make me pop you” while reaching for his waistband, WOFL reported.
“We struggled over the purse. He pushed me down to the ground,” Mobley recalled to WSVN of the parking lot incident. “That is when I let it go and figured he would take off.”
Just as Mobley let go of her bag, Journee came to her mom’s rescue and began hitting the suspect before chasing him for five blocks, according to WSVN.
Bystanders also rushed to the area to help the mother-daughter duo fight him off, as shown in the footage.
He’s since been charged with robbery and battery, according to the outlets. It is unclear if Jackson has retained legal representation.
The West Palm Beach Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Journee Nelson outside the police department.Palm Beach Police Department/Facebook
In the days following the incident, the West Palm Beach Police Department and Mobley commended Journee for her heroic efforts.
“I’m very proud of her that was her initial reaction,” Mobley told WSVN, adding, “I wish, sometimes, things could be a little different because she is still dealing with this mentally.”
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“Chief Adderley honored a 9-year old child today for bravery as she ran to her mother’s defense to fend off a brazen robber,” the post read. “The West Palm Beach Police Foundation presented the child with a token of appreciation.”
The post also featured photos from the big day, including one shot of the girl on the police motorcycle and another that showed her smiling with her new medal and certificate.
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Speaking to WSVN, Chief Frank Adderley said of the incident: “I wouldn’t recommend that you confront an individual like that but in the heat of the moment things happen.”
“I bet he was shocked when she kicked him right in the face because he definitely could tell on the video that he was not expecting that,” he added. “Her actions were perfect timing in this particular situation, and I think she hit him pretty hard.”
source: people.com
