TIFTON, GA (WALB) -
Tifton police need your help to find a man who assaulted a woman in the Tifton Mall parking lot.
The 61-year old woman says a man approached her as she got out of her car Saturday just before noon, put a gun in her face and told her to let him in the backseat.
She screamed and ran.
The man drove off in a white Chevrolet either a Lumina or Impala.
Police say he did not ask the woman for money so the motive is unclear.
If you have any information call the Tifton police department at 229-382-3132.
Here is the full press release from Tifton Police Department
The Tifton Police Department wishes to make citizens aware of, and ask for your help in, an incident that occurred at the Tifton Mall on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at approximately 11:15 AM.
A 61 year old woman arrived at the mall and parked in the parking lot behind JC Penney and near the exterior entrance to Belk's. When she got out of her vehicle, she was approached by a black male wearing an orange or rust colored, V-neck, long sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and a tan or light brown colored ski mask.
He was described as a black male, possibly in his early 20s, between 5'10" and 6'00" tall. He pointed a handgun at her and told her to open the door of her vehicle so that he could get in. He ran from the scene when she screamed and started running.
Witnesses saw a white Chevrolet car, possibly a Lumina or Impala, leaving the area immediately following the crime. According to video obtained from one of the stores, the white car had been in the parking lot for some time so it is possible that the suspect watched for an opportunity to carry out the crime.
This is particularly alarming because the suspect did not demand the victim's purse or money as you would see in a typical robbery. We do not know exactly what the motive was, but the way this was carried out is a cause for elevated concern.
We are asking that anyone with information about this crime contact the Tifton Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at (229)382-3132. This man is somebody's son, brother, friend, etc. and we are asking that they call us. Somebody knows who was wearing this clothing and driving this car on Saturday.
Additionally, we urge everyone to be aware of their surroundings. At this time of the year, approaching the holidays, there is typically an increase in thefts and related crimes in the shopping areas. Watch for people just hanging around or sitting in vehicles.
If someone makes you uncomfortable, get on the phone and get to a more populated area. Be wary of people approaching you or your vehicle and, if possible, use the buddy system.
We are thankful that nobody was hurt in this particular incident but we want the public to be aware of the danger that may be out there.
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