For most of us, when it comes to family there is nothing we won’t do to protect them.
There are the stories of moms lifting cars off their trapped children, and other tales of heroism that seem to defy all logic and reason.
This story of a young girl coming to her mother’s aid in a time where most children would have run scared shows a love and strength that could inspire us all.
In West Palm Beach, Florida, 9-year-old Journee Nelson and her mother were out shopping for groceries at Sabor Tropical Supermarket as usual when something terrifying happened.
As the two walked back to their vehicle in the parking lot a robber ran up to Journee’s mother and attempted to steal her purse.
As the frightening video footage outside the grocery store captured, the purse was not relinquished easily and the mother was brought to the ground by the robber’s force.
The young girl could have run for help, screamed in fear, or froze by the mere sight of it all- but she didn’t.
Journee recounts how the scene unfolded to Fox and Friends Weekend:
“We walked out the store and then I took a little glance at him and then I looked back at the car and then I opened my door. And then, next thing I know, I saw him running towards my mom.”
The violent jerking of the purse by the robber pulled Journee’s mother to the ground while the man warned the mother who clung to her bag, “you’re going to make me pop you.”
The brave girl ran to her mom’s rescue and began punching the suspect on his head repeatedly until he let go of the purse.
As if that wasn’t brave enough, Journee proceeded to chase the man 4 houses down the street until she turned back around to attend to her mother.
West Palm Beach Police Chief Adderley was amazed by the young girl’s actions and commended her for her bravery with a medal and a certificate, according to a tweet.
Chief Adderley honored a 9-year old child today for bravery as she ran to her mother’s defense to fend off a brazen robber. An #arrest was swiftly made in this case.
The West Palm Beach Police Foundation presented the child with a token of appreciation. pic.twitter.com/r9tz8PoacW
— West Palm Beach Police Department (@WestPalmPD) November 18, 2021
The suspect, Demetrius Jackson, was arrested two days later, police said, and charged with robbery and battery, according to Fox 35 Orlando.
While Journee’s actions were nothing short of the epitome of strength, Chief Adderley does not recommend anyone confront a suspected criminal.
Who knows what would have happened if Journee did not come to her mom’s aid and the robber had pulled a gun out.
Thankfully, we don’t have to worry about that and they both get to go home safely – because for family we would take on the world.