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70-year-old woman who was brazenly attacked and injured at a Euclid store speaks out to warn others

Police search for attacker, need public's help
Euclid police look for person who attacked elderly woman
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EUCLID, Ohio — A 70-year-old woman who was the victim of a brutal and brazen attack captured on camera is now speaking out to help others.

“My message is: heighten your awareness and be safe out there,” said the woman, who we are not identifying.

It was about 8:30 a.m. Sunday when the woman went to a Euclid convenience store. The woman, who said she is always aware of her surroundings, spotted the man when she walked into the store but did not see him when she came out.

“The suspect was actually hiding behind a vehicle parked next to her," said Euclid Police Captain Mitch Houser. "She has her keys in her hand and is walking up to the door when he rushes her from the front and attacks her."

The 70-year-old woman struggled to keep her keys and her truck.

“When my key ring broke, I went crashing to the ground,” said the woman. That's when she got a severe injury to her leg which required 29 stitches.

“I’m very grateful to be alive,” she said. “I prayed to God I wouldn’t be shot or hurt.

The attacker took off with her truck and her keys. Police said the truck was found about 20 minutes later in Cleveland, but the attacker was not found. Now police are trying to put a name to a face and are asking for the public’s help.

“Anyone could look at her and see a family member or a loved one in that lady," Houser said. "Anyone who would do such a horrible thing to somebody is dangerous in my book."

The woman said she is grateful to be alive and thankful to the Euclid Police Department and workers in the store for helping her.

Police continue to search for the man. Anyone with information about the attack or the man is asked to call the Euclid Police Department 216-289-8505.

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