Blind Woman Saved by Guide Dog in Burglary Attempt

[DiamondSmiles]

HOLMESBURG, (Philadelphia)- May 4, 2013 (WPVI) -- A blind woman says her guide dog saved her from a burglary attempt, and police say the alleged suspect was her neighbor.

It happened around 3:00 a.m. Friday on the 4700 block of Marple Street in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia.

"She saved my life," the victim said of her guide dog 'Jolanda.'

The 54-year-old woman, did not want to be identified.

Police say several men including 18-year-old Tomayo McDuffy, the victim's neighbor, broke into the woman's home.

The men allegedly turned on the gas and then fled when 'Jolanda' reacted and aggressively barked.

"She takes care of me in case somebody breaks into my house," said the victim.

She says 'Jolanda' was able to get her to a phone and contact police.

"I taught her to call the police. I have a phone for a blind person, she calls 9-1-1 if something happens to me," said the victim.

The victim's neighbor and close friend, who did not want to be identified, says this isn't the first time the suspect bothered her.

"They tried to break in two times before, they tried to poison her dog," she said.

The neighbor also says the woman is a widow of a New York police officer and moved in only a few months ago.

Since then, McDuffy, has allegedly harassed the blind victim continuously.

"It makes me angry, she's a defenseless woman plus she's blind," said the neighbor.

On Saturday, other neighbors who are friends with McDuffy, came to his defense.

"I know it wasn't him who did it. He was with us, we played video games until five or six and then got ready for school," said Gerald Thomas.

According to court records McDuffy has been charged with attempted murder, burglary and other charges. He is in jail on $500,000 bail.

The suspect's brother, who spoke off camera, says he doesn't think his brother can afford the bail to get out.

Authorities are still looking for another male who they believe was involved in the incident.

This is yesterday's broadcast. They have the suspect, but, his friends are lying for him. They tried to poision the woman's dog and break in two or three times before. Still trying to get today's video to play.

This is a link. I know the embedding will not work :(

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=9090119

[Megamel29]

Wow. They turned the gas on? Sounds like they were trying to kill her. Wonder what his deal is with this woman. Did he leave any finger prints in her house? In case his friends don't stop being his alibi...

[DiamondSmiles]

Originally Posted by Megamel29

Wow. They turned the gas on? Sounds like they were trying to kill her. Wonder what his deal is with this woman. Did he leave any finger prints in her house? In case his friends don't stop being his alibi...

They're all young so I guess there is evidence.

Her husband was a deceased NY policeman so I am guessing there is going to be a link found. She had only been there a few months.

Such cowardly lowlives though

If you were able to watch the video, a witness lives next door to the perp. She said they tried to poison the dog and break in a couple of times before.

[Darkest Angel]

What is wrong in this world today? She is completely defenseless except for her dog & they try to kill her and the dog. Sick sick sick.

I'm going to be the old lady in the wheelchair with a .38 hidden beneath my crochet!! Shoot to kill!

[DiamondSmiles]

Originally Posted by darkest angel

What is wrong in this world today? She is completely defenseless except for her dog & they try to kill her and the dog. Sick sick sick.

I'm going to be the old lady in the wheelchair with a .38 hidden beneath my crochet!! Shoot to kill!

In your Hoveround on fast?! You go, Granny

[GregK]

Poison her dog...? What fucking lowlife scumbags. Obviously her husband is dead. What fucking assholes. In the most literal sense of the word