Good Samaritans Take Down Suspected Mugger On Streets Of Midtown

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A pack of Good Samaritans came to the rescue of a woman being mugged in Midtown Wednesday.

As CBS2's Jessica Schneider reported, the thief allegedly stole the woman's purse. But he didn't get far before some New Yorkers quite literally took him down.

Several people forced the alleged thief to the ground near 35th Street and Eighth Avenue, demanded that he return the woman's money, and made sure the cash got back to the victim.

"As I looked further down, there were seven or eight guys tackling this guy," said Bryant Jackson.

Jackson was walking out of his office building when he saw all the commotion and started shooting video. Someone called 911, and police responded.

"In the video, they're ripping money out of his hand. They had her money in his hand, and they ripped the money out and they give it back to her. And she's bawling," he said. "I mean, she was really shaken up, and she had a bloody lip, and she had a scraped up leg."

The woman got her purse and money back, and the alleged mugger learned a New York lesson.

"I feel like New York is always so busy," said Carolina Sosa, adding that the incident gave New Yorkers a better name. "I mean, someone helped."

"I think it's very comforting," said Ori Karev. "I've lived here for 30 years. I don't know what to tell you. But we see a lot of good things happening here."

Jim Nelson of New Mexico said he was surprised by the quick action.

"I would think that New Yorkers would just let it go; just ignore it; walk right past. It's wonderful," he said. "Just fantastic. I'm glad I'm in New York for a day."

Police told CBS2 they responded to the scene, but the victim and the mugger were gone.