The Story

A random attack by a stranger has to be one of the scariest things women have to prepare for. When you are minding your own business and getting ready to walk into your home you should not have to be ready for an attack. In the world we live in, random attacks are a fact of life.

Two women injured after robbery, random attack in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood

“LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Police said a Louisville man stole a woman’s purse then randomly attacked another woman Friday evening in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood.

Damien (a.k.a. Damion) Pulce, 41, was arrested by Louisville Metro Police shortly before 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

The incident took place on the 2000 block of Douglass Boulevard, off Bardstown Road.

According to court documents, a woman said she was walking into her home while on the phone when Pulce walked up to her and said, “Who the [EXPLETIVE] you on the phone with?” When she ignored him, police said Pulce grabbed her purse, causing her to fall to the ground. He then started kicking her in the head and face.

The woman eventually let go of her purse, and Pulce ran down Douglass Boulevard, emptying her purse and taking her credit cards and ID.

Police said he then walked across the street where he saw another woman. According to the arrest report, he grabbed that woman by the throat, “slammed her to the ground” and started to kick her in the head.

When a bystander stepped in to help, Pulce took off running, police said.

Officers arrested Pulce nearby a few minutes later. 

Police said the first woman suffered cuts to her face and head. The second woman sustained cuts to her legs, and possibly a dislocated or broken arm.

Pulce is charged with second-degree Assault and second-degree Robbery. He is currently being held in Louisville Metro Corrections.”

Originally reported by WDRB.com

What Can We Learn?

A couple of things really struck me with this story. First, she was on the phone while transitioning to her home. It’s important to always be aware and scanning during any transition. From store to car or car to home don’t let anything distract you and remain situationally aware. Also, the victim was verbally assaulted by the attacker and she chose to ignore him. Sometimes, showing that you are not afraid and making eye contact or confronting someone can help prevent an attack. Be confident and ready to stand your ground. Do not seek confrontation or berate a potential attacker but show that you will stand up for yourself. If you have some sort of self-defense tool have it readily available in case of a random attack and be ready to use it when you need to protect yourself.