Big Purse Stops Bullet From Hitting Tennessee Student

The next time you laugh at those trendy oversized purses, think about the fact that they could save a life -- as one college student found out.

Police say all the things stuffed in the oversized purse saved Elizabeth Pittenger's life, a 22-year-old Middle Tennessee State University student, by stopping a bullet during an attempted robbery.

It began as Pittenger was walking to her car on campus when a man confronted her and demanded her purse, cell phone and laptop, university Police Chief Buddy Peaster said.

She fought the man off, but he managed to fire off a gunshot before fleeing.

Elizabeth was unharmed but the bullet was later found inside the purse, along with a calculator, umbrella and small case that had been punctured.

Police nearby heard the gunshot and arrested the 20-year-old robber. Officers also found his .38 caliber handgun under a parked van.

He has been charged with attempted murder, attempted armed robbery and possession of a weapon on school property.

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