Thanking the Heroes

I want to publicly thank everyone who came to my aid when I was accosted by a mugger adjacent to Granada Hills Recreation Center on Dec. 23, between 12:45 and 1 p.m.

My purse was stolen by a man who proceeded to walk back through the park. My screaming was heard by a lady in a nearby home, who called the police. I continued running and following the man, screaming “catch him, in the red jacket--he has my purse.”

A group of boys playing basketball heard me and started chasing him and yelling. An employee of the center heard the commotion, joined in, and succeeded in apprehending the mugger, who had thrown my purse to the ground a few seconds before.

The police were there in moments and he was arrested.

These people were all very courageous in heeding my cries. I hope everyone involved knows how grateful I am. I know I did not personally thank everyone who was there, but the ones I did thank--I shall always remember their faces--are all heroes to me. They did not want a reward.

I am so thankful that no one was hurt.

RENEE WOLF, North Hills