Woman Pistol Whipped Along Miami Beach

MIAMI BEACH, FL — A 24-year-old woman walking alone on Collins Avenue was attacked, pistol whipped and knocked to the ground earlier this week. Police released surveillance video of the robbery on Thursday and asked for the public's help in identifying the woman's attacker. The thief got away with the woman's pink purse along with a loaded .38 caliber revolver and cellphone that were inside.

By the time police arrived, Janalyn Martin of North Bay Village was bleeding "profusely" from the back of her head and crying hysterically, according to Miami Beach police, who said that the attack occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on Tuesday outside 1903 Collins Avenue.

"Martin stated that she was walking down the sidewalk by herself when a black male wearing dark clothing approached her from across the street," police said. "The male subject hit her in the back of the head with a handgun."

Police said the thief wrestled the purse from Martin by breaking the handle strap. He got into a waiting silver SUV at 19 Street and Collins Avenue.

Martin described her attacker as African American, approximately 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 2 inches tall and about 180 pounds. He was wearing black sweat pants, a brown T-Shirt and black shoes with white soles.

Police believe the SUV may be a Nissan Rogue.

Officers briefly detained two men riding in a Nissan Pathfinder but they were subsequently released when a witness could not identify them.

To report a tip, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477, visit crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip" or text "CSMD" followed by the tip to 274637.

Surveillance image and video courtesy Miami Beach Police Department