Mother, Daughter Survive Robbery Attack in Falls Church - Sent Using Google Toolbar

[Stephen Bates]

Not too far away.  As Mad Eye Moody Would Say:  Constant Vigilance!

MyFox Washington DC | Mother, Daughter Survive Robbery Attack in Falls Church

Mother, Daughter Survive Robbery Attack in Falls Church

Last Edited: Friday, 23 Jan 2009, 10:46 PM EST

Created: Friday, 23 Jan 2009, 10:11 PM EST

A Fairfax County mother and daughter survived a terrible ordeal Thursday night after police say they were attacked and robbed in an apartment complex parking lot as they returned from church. SideBar Related Items Videos FALLS CHURCH, Va. - A Fairfax County mother and daughter survived a terrible ordeal Thursday night after police say they were attacked and robbed in an apartment complex parking lot as they returned from church.   The woman and her toddler were not physically hurt, but emotionally they're pretty upset.  The thugs used the little girl as a bargaining chip to get what they wanted.  It's a crime that's shaken neighbors.  "I've never had anything happen in the 30-something years here," said Nancy Cassady, a neighbor.  "This is shocking." It happened just after 9 p.m. Tuesday in an apartment building parking lot along the 7400 block of Lee Highway in Falls Church.  Fairfax County Police say a woman and her 2-year-old daughter were returning from church when two men wearing black ski masks pounced from the bushes.  "One of the men went to the driver's side, the other to the passenger's side and grabbed the little girl," said Lucy Caldwell of the Fairfax County Police Department.  "They apparently threatened the driver if she didn't give up her money and belongings that something might happen." Police say one of the men had a knife.  The woman gave her cash.  The suspect handed back her belongings and her baby, and then both men ran away.  "Taking the baby and asking for the money, it's just not right," said David Medina, another neighbor.  The crime comes as a surprise to many who live in the neighborhood.  They've seen nothing this frightening so close to home.  "It's a very quiet neighborhood, very relaxed," said Paul Young, another neighbor.  "Relatively no type of riff-raff or raucous to that effect." As police search for the suspects, neighbors are taking extra precautions knowing their safety might also be at risk.  "It scared me to death," said Nancy Cassady, who lives nearby.  "I park in the front a lot, in front of the bushes where she was, and I just walk across the lot.  I never thought twice about it." There is no clear description of the suspect in the case, and police think this is an isolated case.  They're asking anyone with information to give them a call.