Woman robbed at gunpoint while stopped at red light
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Police are investigating after a woman reported she was robbed at gunpoint while waiting at a red light.
It happened near Oliver Avenue and Harding Street on the southwest side early Thursday morning.
The victim declined an on-camera interview, but told 24-Hour News 8 she was driving home after dropping off a friend. She said a man came out of nowhere, opened her passenger door, and robbed her.
People working and living nearby said they’re being extra careful by locking their car doors and being more aware of their surroundings.
Sierra Manuel and her friends live about ten minutes away from the intersection where the robbery happened.
“I mean I feel for the woman because it had to have been really, really you know terrifying for her,” said Manuel.
Manuel does not know the victim, but said she’s not surprised by the crime.
“There’s something new every day about people getting mugged, or you know just people getting robbed, killed anything,” said Manuel.
The victim said she was not hurt. She said the man grabbed her purse and took off running. She drove home and called 911
Other residents like Brandy Gordon said you can never be too careful.
“It’s scary because you don’t know who they’re going to do that too,” said Gordon. “I’m not too worried about myself but I’m just worried about my loved ones.”
The victim described the suspect as a white man believed to be in his early 20s. He was last seen wearing a red shirt and a baseball hat.
“Anytime when you’re out and about and you’re in your car and you’re driving, have your doors locked,” said IMPD Sgt. Catherine Cummings. “If you’re at a red light just pay attention to who’s around and who may be approaching your car.”
If you’re unsure about the person’s intentions, police said you can always drive off and call for help.
“Drive on, pick up your cell phone and call 911 for help,” said Sgt. Cummings. “That way if the person truly needs help you could call for police, you could call for medics and we will arrive and take care of the situation.”
According to the police report, an officer was patrolling in the area and was driving east on Oliver Avenue. He saw a man walking in the opposite direction. About ten minutes later, he received that robbery call.
