BTN News: In a shocking incident captured on video, a woman was violently dragged by a motorcycle thief during a brazen robbery attempt in the Velódromo neighborhood of Medellín. The incident occurred on September 13, leaving the victim with multiple injuries and unable to work for two weeks. As the thief attempted to snatch her purse, he pulled her several meters along the street, causing panic and outrage among local residents. Despite the woman’s screams for help, the assailant managed to escape. This disturbing event highlights the growing concern over street crime in Medellín.
Caught on Camera: A Robbery in Broad Daylight
A recent video shared across social media shows a distressing scene from the streets of Medellín’s Velódromo neighborhood. On September 13, a motorcycle thief grabbed a woman’s purse, dragging her along the road as she desperately held on. The footage, which quickly went viral, captures the thief’s reckless maneuvers, swerving in a zigzag pattern in an attempt to make the woman release her belongings.
A Desperate Struggle Ends in Injury
The victim, visibly terrified, finally released the purse after being dragged for several meters, resulting in multiple injuries. Neighbors, alarmed by her screams, rushed to her aid. “I didn’t know what to think. I was just screaming, ‘I’m being robbed!’ I felt so helpless,” she told Noticias Caracol during an interview. She was later transported to Clínica Las Américas, where she received medical treatment and was given a 15-day recovery period due to her injuries.
Thief Returns to the Scene But Flees Again
In an unexpected twist, security footage from a different angle showed the same motorcycle thief returning to the area minutes later. However, upon noticing a crowd gathering where he had previously dragged the woman, he quickly sped off, escaping a second time. His bold return has left residents of Velódromo in disbelief and heightened concerns over local safety.
Victim Faces Bureaucratic Hurdles in Seeking Justice
Despite the clear evidence, the victim’s attempt to file a formal complaint faced obstacles. When she approached Medicina Legal, she was informed that no action could be taken unless the thief was first apprehended. “I went to report the incident, but they said nothing could be done without a suspect in custody,” she recounted with frustration. This bureaucratic delay has added to the distress of an already traumatized victim.
Community Reacts to the Rising Crime
Local residents expressed outrage over the growing street crime in Medellín, particularly in the Velódromo area. Many are demanding increased police presence and stricter measures to ensure public safety. “We feel unsafe in our own neighborhood,” a resident commented on social media. The incident has sparked conversations around the need for more effective crime prevention strategies.
Medellín Authorities Urged to Act Swiftly
With the thief still at large, local authorities are under pressure to investigate the incident more thoroughly and capture the perpetrator. Community leaders are calling for better surveillance and quicker response times from law enforcement. This case, which has garnered widespread media attention, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Medellín in combating street-level crime.
Calls for Improved Support Systems for Crime Victims
This robbery incident also highlights the need for improved support systems for crime victims in Medellín. The victim’s ordeal—both during the robbery and in its aftermath—has exposed gaps in the city’s legal and emergency response services, prompting calls for reforms to ensure that victims are better supported in the future.
Conclusion:
The violent robbery in Medellín’s Velódromo neighborhood has captured the city’s attention, drawing urgent calls for improved public safety measures and justice for victims. With the thief still on the loose and the victim grappling with physical and emotional trauma, the incident underscores the need for a stronger, more responsive approach to combating crime and supporting its victims.
