Summary: A Fordham University Law Student was cut in the face during a robbery attempt on a subway.
A third-year Fordham University School of Law student riding the subway to a friend’s house was attacked during a robbery attempt. Nadia Kashem was traveling to a friend’s apartment Sunday when a man tried to grab her purse just as the doors opened, according to The Observer.
Kashem received cuts to her face as she fought with the robber over her purse. The law student was clutching her purse tightly, unwilling to let go. This caused her to get dragged to the subway floor from her seat and eventually pulled through the doors before the man let go of the purse and jumped back onto the train. During this time, Kashem was struck near her eye.
With the ordeal over, Kashem was able to stand up. She thought the blow to her face was “nothing.” When she looked down at her purse she noticed there was blood. She stated, “There was blood on my bag and on my hand. I was scared because I didn’t even know where the blood was coming from.”
Other subway riders helped Kashem clean up the blood and dial 911. They gave a description of the man to the police as a five foot, ten inch man of Hispanic descent with a goatee and yellow and black Jordan sneakers. It was determined that Kashem was not hurt like she originally thought but was struck with a box cutter. She was taken to Lincoln Hospital where she received several stitches to her cheek and bridge of her nose.
No arrests have been made yet but detectives have talked with at least one witness.
Kashem is now dealing with the psychological trauma of the event in addition to the pain of being cut. She reported that the injury is hurting more now than it had initially. She also stated, “Last night I just had nightmares. I dreamed of being slashed.”
She believes the attacker was trying to cut her eyes. “That’s just the lowest. When you try to blind someone.”
Assistant Vice President for Communications Bob Howe said, “The University has been in contact with Ms. Kashem in the wake of this brutal attack, and has offered whatever services she may need. We know the Fordham community joins us in wishing her a rapid and complete recovery from her injuries.”
Director of the Department of Public Safety Bob Dineen told The Observer that the Crime Log would be updated with her report.
Should Kashem have let go of her purse? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
To learn more about law students and professors involved in fighting crime, read these articles:
- Northwestern Law Student and Boyfriend Victims of Swatting Hoax
- Law Student Subdues Mugger Who Stole Woman’s Purse
- Law Professor at George Mason Attacked in Classroom With Pepper Spray
Photo: flickr.com