Student's Hefty Handbag Takes Bullet for Her

Stuffed tote saves life during struggle with mugger
By Ambreen Ali,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 12, 2008 1:03 PM CST
Student's Hefty Handbag Takes Bullet for Her
Oversized bags aren't just trendy, they could be life-saving.   (AP Photo/Russel Daniels)

A 22-year-old Tennessee college student has her overstuffed, oversize handbag to thank for escaping unscathed from a struggle with an armed mugger, she tells NBC’s Today Show. After stealing her cell phone, the attacker fired at Elizabeth Pittenger from 4 feet away. The junk in her handbag—including an umbrella, sunglasses case, and a calculator—absorbed the bullet.

Since the shooting, Pittenger has had to purchase a new bag. "I've kept about the same amount in there," she says.
(More crime stories.)

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