Student's Hefty Handbag Takes Bullet for Her

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.
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