Crime

Woman Dragged Through Parking Lot Refusing to Let Snatchers Speed Away With Stolen Purse

As the ABC News puts it, purse snatchers picked the wrong woman to steal from. Not only is she a black belt — a skill that didn’t necessarily come in handy with this theft — but Karen Rakes was strong and not about to let go of her bag until it was absolutely necessary.

In fact, Rakes let herself be dragged more than 100 yards through a grocery store parking lot before she decided she had to let go. Rakes was loading groceries when her bag was taken from the cart. At this point she latched on and didn’t let go until she realized it was “now or never” and she had to drop or be carried into traffic. Watch the ABC News report with surveillance footage of the theft and Rakes’ description of the scene:

The local ABC affiliate in West Melbourne, Fla., states the incident happened this past Tuesday at a Walmart. Rakes was shopping alone and parked in an area away from other cars. Although she has some pretty extreme bruises from the incident, local police say she is lucky as her injuries could have been far worse:

“She could have rolled up under the vehicle and been run over,” said West Melbourne Police spokesman Steve Wilkinson. “So she is very fortunate there.”

Woman Dragged Through Parking Lot by Van While Holding Onto Stolen Purse

Rakes shows the bruises on her arm. (Image: ABC News screenshot)

The police located the van and its drivers who have been arrested and charged with the theft. Florida Today has more on the two women and how they were apprehended:

Police later spotted the van and stopped it, arresting [Angela Maria] Seiwert, who was inside and had a warrant for her arrest, Wilkinson said. Police seized the van.

[Michelle] Welling was arrested at West Melbourne police department early Thursday, when she arrived to get her van.

“The owner of the vehicle came today, thinking she was going to pick up the van,” Wilkinson said. “Our detectives did a good job and got her to spill the beans.”

Woman Dragged Through Parking Lot by Van While Holding Onto Stolen Purse

Angela Maria Siewert and Michelle Welling were arrested and charged with stealing and aggravated battery. (Photo: Florida Today)

Wilkinson said he is also interested in the way the van circled Rakes’ car before taking her purse. “They looked like pros to me,” he said.

This isn’t the only purse snatching and dragging incident to occur this week. In a separate event in Richland County, South Carolina, a woman was dragged by a man who grabbed her purse in a parking lot as well. WFMY News 2 reports the woman held on as the man continued to run to a waiting car. Even after the thief got inside the dark green Jeep Cherokee, the woman still maintained hold and was dragged some distance by the SUV. She did sustain some injuries to her legs. The robbers eventually got away with her bag.

Comments (67)

1 2
  • hi
    Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:17pm

    13th
    You should change your name to “Unconscious.”

    Report Post » hi  
  • polnick
    Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:09pm

    Captured muggers should be instantly shot dead. Sure! there will be a few mistakes, but seniors will be able to take their nightly stroll without having to wear a bikers helmet.

    Report Post » polnick  
  • OlderCowGirl
    Posted on April 29, 2012 at 11:02am

    @ 13th,

    I’m a 65 yr old conservative…my younger sister and 2 younger brothers are “Dems”…and all three of my younger siblings are on “Disability” (and have been for decades), due to their chosen lifestyle: drunk, drugged, chained to the govt, and poor. They are sick and will die young. I’m happy, healthy, and free, and not poor. Now, should I have to work hard, pay taxes, so that my stupid brothers and sisters can live on the govt. w/out working a day in their life???? That’s the general difference between conservatives and liberals. And proof that Socialism does NOT work. If Socialism goes into effect…you’ll see most of the hardworking folks…stop working. Then where does the money come from????

    Report Post » OlderCowGirl  
    • hi
      Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:08pm

      Great post!

      Report Post » hi  
    • Delaware Patriot
      Posted on April 29, 2012 at 1:07pm

      Amen to that!!

      Report Post »  
    • The Gooch
      Posted on April 29, 2012 at 1:37pm

      You can thank the vaunted social safety net for enabling this breed of parasite. And that political third rail is tiptoed around by politicians from both major parties. We have generally been trained to believe no one can fail and no one can ever be allowed to destroy themselves in the manner they choose. This is like finding rancid milk in your fridge; you know its bad, but you place it back because maybe it will be better tomorrow. Good luck with that.
      I have a 30+ year old brother-in-law who is a fat, obnoxious slob whose beer and Star Wars toys are paid for by the American taxpayer. I know I feel better knowing me and my wife get to work to support someone who chose to say, “P!ss on all of you. Give me money.”
      What’s even better? Hard times all around, right? Not if you’re in the substance abuse treatment racket. Sister, the govt. is throwing money at junkies, their enablers, apologists and jailers like parade candy. If you’re in the business of saving the great American junky, business is a boomin’.

      Report Post »  
  • tajloc
    Posted on April 29, 2012 at 9:48am

    Obviously drugs…My wife did this in the early 70′s. She was pregnant at the time. Scary. We have chosen to live in one of the flyover states and I don’t even lock my car. The violence is coming be sure you are prepared.
    Did you note the Bering see giveaway of our oil rich lands by O. How come no press on that?
    Rom 8:28

    Report Post »  
  • teresa2010
    Posted on April 29, 2012 at 8:54am

    @Rayford…Your sisters are ugly

    Report Post »  
  • Joe1123
    Posted on April 29, 2012 at 8:33am

    Boy their a couple a beauties aren’t they? Wow, so pretty ha haaaaaaaaaa.

    Report Post »  
    • The Gooch
      Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:40pm

      Um, no. But I bet they could suck start a Harley and would do all kinds of crazy, freaky stuff for their next Xanax. Stuff you’d be ashamed to tell your best buddy and would go to the grave not sharing. I bet there isn’t a dozen teeth between them. If they smell like they look, I’m imagining sweat, urine and cigarettes. Yummy… the sweet, tangy odor of white trash love.

      Report Post »  
    • Twisted Mind
      Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:47pm

      Joe, I might can line you up, if you are really interested. Glad to be of help

      Report Post »  
  • piper60
    Posted on April 29, 2012 at 7:56am

    Same area as the zimmerman shooter is from. Why am I not surprised?

    Report Post » piper60  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on April 29, 2012 at 6:45am

    The female perp on the left looks like Jeff Spicoli.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • teresa2010
      Posted on April 29, 2012 at 8:50am

      Yep….. The blonde does look like someone who’s had a sex change

      Report Post »  
  • SenorStrange
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 10:02pm

    instead of all the tips on how not to e a victim of thieves, how out we just shoot the thieves.

    Report Post »  
    • lassiegirldawn
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 10:27pm

      It helps to disarm them the you shoot their @ss

      Report Post »  
    • KangarooJack
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 11:42pm

      Watch the video. Truth is-you’re just about to put your groceries into the car and wham-they already scoped you out two aisles away. You could shoot the sh*t out of a vehicle fleeing away, but unlike Hollywood-a side firearm isn’t much good after 30 yds. Even if you’re a crack shot. BUT your eyesight is better! Take down the license # WHILE on the phone to 911 and pursue the ******** who just….oops, wait….lol

      Report Post » KangarooJack  
    • IMAWAKENOW
      Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:13am

      I will admit I was playing the odds and thought the purps weren’t white. My overall average is still almost 800.

      Report Post » IMAWAKENOW  
  • lassiegirldawn
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 9:49pm

    This is also a trick I learned from a state patrol friend. When getting gasoline, make sure your doors to the car are locked. Someone will distract you while a friend opens the door and grabs your purse if left laying on a passenger seat. Also better than a gun for home and car, get some cans of Wasp bee killing spray. It has a range of about 40 and really messes them up, worse than pepper spray and you don’t have to hit them right on, it has a blast especially if you spray in a zig zag pattern, be safe people.

    Report Post »  
  • KangarooJack
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 9:24pm

    I don’t carry a purse anymore. Just put my $ and/or debit card and ID in my front pocket of my pants. Sometimes I put them in the “leg” of my sock. {car keys too}.

    As for her hanging onto the vehicle? I disagree with most-that was just stupid. She came out bumped and bruised and called ‘brave’. How many others came out bumped/bruised/ran over/shot and dead? and called DEAD?

    An ‘Open Carry’ visible gun would have meant….those two crackheads would have cruised on over to another car!

    Report Post » KangarooJack  
    • debkk9
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 9:44pm

      I’m with you….it has been about 3 years or more since I have carried a purse. I put the debit card in my pocket. It is actually very freeing…I can walk away from the grocery cart to check something out without dragging the cart with me or worrying about someone grabbing my purse. Also don’t have that heavy thing hanging on my shoulder anymore. So far I haven’t missed anything in it. If you need to have it just put it under the seat or in the trunk………..but do that at home BEFORE you leave so no one sees you.

      Report Post » debkk9  
    • KangarooJack
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 10:46pm

      Thanks-I agree, it IS rather “freeing”. I used to carry what can only be termed as a Safety Sack. I carried de-ice canisters just in case my car locks froze…only thing was, I don’t usually lock my doors. I would carry everything from Aspirin to liquid bandages to an epipen…figure I usually drive within 5mins. of my home…I just HAD it lugging that thing around. The Grocery Cart scenario is CLASSIC! Now, I can walk away from the cart without worries-yep, I forgot that needed item 2 aisles away-leave the cart and just saunter off. lol

      Report Post » KangarooJack  
    • ADNIL
      Posted on April 29, 2012 at 6:25am

      Me either. Haven’t carried a purse since the 70s when it got lifted from me at a Dunkin Donuts. Haven’t missed lugging a bag around since. With my large snarling aggressive “junk-yard” dog in the car, no one would dare come close to it. She goes just about everywhere with me. I like the idea of the hornet spray, though. Gonna get some.

      Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 9:20pm

    That is the first thing that goes in my car out of reach of anyone. If someone does go after it, I can slam the door against them and make some hurt on them. She was lucky.

    You can tell they are drug addicts.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • cdavis411
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 9:16pm

    she was stupid and fortunate to be alive

    Report Post » cdavis411  
    • hynzerelli
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 10:26pm

      Exactly…. how bout u run after the vehicle & get the tag #. Who wants to be dragged across the parking lot for their purse?? (unless it’s a $800 Louis Vuitton). Who carry’s cash these days?? My ID & credit card that’s it.

      Report Post » hynzerelli  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:35pm

    …
    Good for you Karen Rakes, for refusing to be a victim.
    The criminals need to know that we are fed up and fighting back.

    Report Post »  
  • 13th Generation American
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:19pm

    @RAYFORD

    I don’t work directly for Media Matters per se

    S.A.R.

    Report Post » 13th Generation American  
    • M13
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:35pm

      13th, you sure have some ugly sisters. Why are they trying to steal purses?

      Report Post »  
    • royrescue
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:43pm

      Socialism in general has a record of failure so blatant that only an intellectual could ignore or evade it. Thomas Sowell

      Report Post » royrescue  
    • Rayford
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 9:02pm

      13th,
      I hope to think that one person is not so mentally defective that he or she comes up with all the baloney you type each time.
      So for your sake, I hope you are getting your talking points from some collusion of mental defectives as opposed to dreaming it up on your own.

      Report Post »  
  • OUT THE REGRESSIVES
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:18pm

    Give those two losers, uhhhh……. righteous women a break. They were only enforcing BHusseinO’s policy of sharing the wealth.

    Report Post »  
  • Darla_K
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:15pm

    I have noticed alot of creeps at the stores lately scanning the parking lot and looking into vehicles. Be careful and always be aware of your surroundings. I always put my purse in my vehicle first before unloading my groceries in the back of the truck. I am glad they caught these 2 hags and I hope they do serious time for their crimes.

    Report Post » Darla_K  
  • Rayford
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:12pm

    Bet theres not a whole set of teeth between the two of them.

    Report Post »  
  • Individualism
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:12pm

    Stand your ground laws allows you to use any force necessary against people like that, i am glad my state has that law.

    Report Post » Individualism  
  • R.A. Bullseye
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:07pm

    Those two women most likely Obama voters.

    Report Post »  
    • Rayford
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:13pm

      they would steal the voting booth and scrap it

      Report Post »  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 7:37pm

    If you leave your purse in the cart,, take the little seat belt where kids sit and wrap it around the purse sling three or four time and then click it locked… when someone grabs it they can’t run with it.. I have had people laugh at me for doing this many times.. but they can’t get it! This woman was extremely lucky!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • 13th Generation American
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 7:36pm

    Let’s see how long it takes for some moron to blame President Obama for this

    3.2.1………go
    I can’t wait for him to win in the fall so we can get past all the hate.

    Hillary 2016

    Report Post » 13th Generation American  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 7:40pm

      Congrats, you beat everyone to it first.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 7:50pm

      Is that… Hillary of Egypt & Libya… that you are frothing over?

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Rayford
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:07pm

      13 year old waterhead, Its Obamas fault..there you happy?
      Maybe he should give more welfare to tweakers so they wont steal. Since you work for him, why not bring it up at the next Media Matters conference.

      Obviously these people are stealing because the govt isnt helping them enough.Thats what it is..yup.

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Generation American
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:08pm

      Do you honestly think Willard Mittens, I was born with a silver foot in my mouth, Romney is going to beat Obama?

      President Obama is going to win folks and then look forward to Hillary in 2016. Bill Clinton want’s his wife to be President more than anything. The Dems will control the Presidency for the next 12 years.

      Report Post » 13th Generation American  
    • R.A. Bullseye
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:09pm

      I think it’sBushes fault not your lover Obama.

      Report Post »  
    • Ohevi
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:14pm

      False hope you got there buckaroo, barack, hillary, nancy, harry, and a whole bunch of traitors are going to go on trial for sedition and treason, they are going to hang before the 2016 elections. Small minded people make me laugh, so cute. Precious. Like the mastercard commercial “Traitors swinging on ropes, priceless.”

      Report Post »  
    • Rayford
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:19pm

      13th,
      A balloon with a face drawn on it would beat your master in the next election.

      Hillary is a poor excuse for a SOS and would never have a chance. The dems are done this time around, and for a while.

      put that in your pipe and smoke it.

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Generation American
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:22pm

      @ OHEVI

      I didn’t think this was possible, but you actually have a lower IQ than Ted Nugent

      Report Post » 13th Generation American  
    • COFemale
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 9:26pm

      We shall see 13th. I hear some Democrats are leaning Romney, so even they see Obama is the Commander in Thief. Too bad you can’t see he is bad for America. I have never seen one man want to bring down America as much as him. Why the hate?

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • LIBSALWAYSLIE
      Posted on April 29, 2012 at 6:12pm

      13th, there is only one explanation for your crazy rants, BRAIN DAMAGE! If your goal is to make a complete fool of yourself, congratulations, you have succeded.

      Report Post » LIBSALWAYSLIE  
  • Mutiny
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 7:28pm

    By the looks of these two fine women I am guessing drugs were the reason for the theft.

    Report Post » Mutiny  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 7:41pm

      Tweeeeee keeeerrrrrs

      Report Post »  
    • grimmy
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 7:55pm

      @Mutiny
      Either drugs, or they are liberals,my guess is both;p

      Report Post »  
    • Rayford
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 8:00pm

      tweeky tweak..cant you tell? they are probably in their 20‘s or 30’s.

      They will get released and do it again. And again and again until they are dead.

      I have had more than a few run ins with tweakers..they wont stop.

      Report Post »  
  • PrfctlyFrank
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 7:25pm

    My Goodness people, what do they make purse straps out of these days? For the Luva Pete, get breakaway straps or something..

    Report Post » PrfctlyFrank  
  • lukerw
    Posted on April 28, 2012 at 7:16pm

    Don’t carry your Gun in your Purse!

    Report Post » lukerw  
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