Woman Fights Attacker, Meets in Hospital

A woman, after fighting off an attacker that attempted to steal her purse, met up with the perpetrator a second time, in the same day, at a Clarksville Tenn. emergency room, as reported by News Channel 5.

The second interlude led to his arrest on December 30 for criminal attempt to commit robbery.

Sometime during the evening of December 29, Coyama Locklear, 27, tried to wrestle Amanda Pyle for possession of her purse at a Clarksville Kroger store. 

Pyle laughed about the incident later and told police, "All it has are a few minor tears. I'd recommend this purse to anyone."

Pyle further unfolded her story, "As I was walking out, someone followed me in the parking lot and attacked me from behind.  I bent my arm, he pulled on his end, and I pulled on mine.  My reaction was, this is my purse. I work hard for my money and I'm not giving up like this."

Officer Jim Knoll, with the Clarksville Police, said, "The thing is he's six foot, six foot two and over 200 pounds and she's five foot six so there was a significant size difference."

The last Pyle - and several customers - saw of the thief was his back as he fled the scene.  She felt some soreness in her knee, which must have occurred during the scuffle, and decided that it was worth a trip to the emergency room at Gateway Medical Center.

Once inside the ER Pyle was surprised to see the suspect seeking emergency care there as well.  Pyle said, "As he got closer my heart stopped I knew without a doubt in my mind, that's him."

Coyama Locklear had his arm in a sling as he passed Pyle; she was coming in while he was exiting.  Pyle contacted authorities that tracked Locklear down from there.

Per Knoll, Locklear alleged that "his shoulder got injured some way.  He indicated it was some sort of basketball injury."

Police found him hiding in his closet at a home in Clarksville.

Pyle felt that, "it's a work of good, the chance of it all happening all that way are slim to none."

She also contended, "I think its important to look around and notice things, and brace yourself for the worst just in case."

Pyle paid enough attention during the altercation to be able to provide police not only a very detailed description of Locklear, but also of the gold Lexus he had used as his getaway vehicle.

Authorities are hoping that people that were there at the store, and witnessed the attempted theft, will also step forward to corroborate the story.

Locklear was criminally charged a year ago for several home break-ins and burglaries.  Police have reported that Locklear was found - hiding in a closet - once then as well.

His current bond is $50,000.

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