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Woman Robbed At Knife Point In Elevator

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FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - A 77-year old Lauderdale Lakes woman is shaken, but safe, after she was robbed in her apartment building elevator at knife point.

The victim told CBS4's Joan Murray, it felt like the longest ride of her life.

"I wanted to be safe I wanted him to get out," said the victim.

Last Wednesday, April 29th, the victim said she returned to her apartment complex, at 3099 NW 48th Avenue, just after 9:30 p.m.

After getting out of her car she went to the mailbox then went to the elevator to return to her fourth floor apartment. When the car arrived, she got in and noticed a man, who seemed to come from where the dumpster is kept, got in with her.

When the doors closed, the man pulled out a knife and demanded her purse.

An elevator camera captured the crime.

The assailant, in dark clothes and dark sunglasses, is seen motioning to the woman to be quiet and then grabs her purse. He never expected the door to shut while trying to make his getaway and is seen crashing into it.

CLICK HERE to watch Joan Murray's report

"He thought he would get out of the elevator when it was on the first floor but it was too late. That was even more traumatic that he rode the elevator with me," said the victim.

Riding up three floors, video shows him rummaging through her purse. You can see what looks like a kitchen steak knife in his hand.

Twenty seconds later, he bolted out the door.

The victim said the man who robbed her got away with her purse, her cell phone and about $35 in cash.

A police officer with a K9 searched the area around the apartment building but was not able to find the armed man or the victim's purse.

Meantime, the victim said she is not sure if she will ever feel safe again.

"I was afraid. It was traumatic. I couldn't sleep thinking not about what happened but what could have happened," said the victim.

She has a message for her assailant.

"There must be a better way for him to better himself and be part of society and work. That's  what I would like to say to him," said the victim.

If you have information, call Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493 - TIPS.

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