NATCHEZ — Natchez Police Department officers have located three persons of interest in connection with a New Year’s Eve strong-arm robbery on D.A. Biglane Street.

The victim of the robbery told police she was walking to the bus in the Isle of Capri Casino parking lot when a man wearing dark clothing and a wool hat grabbed her from behind and tried to take her purse, according to a report at the NPD.

The victim told police when the attacker tried to snatch the purse, she held on and he started to punch her in the back of the head and drag her down the street.

The report says a witness to the crime — a woman — tried to intervene by screaming for help and then using her own purse to beat the attacker. The attacker reportedly tried to take the second woman’s purse but was unsuccessful. Witnesses said the attacker was finally able to get the victim’s purse away from her and flee the scene on foot before jumping into a maroon vehicle, the report said.

The victim received a cut to the knee and showed swelling on her forehead, the report said. Items taken with the purse included debit cards, ID cards, keys and a cell phone.

Lt. Craig Godbold said patrol officers located the vehicle reportedly seen during the crime at approximately 1 a.m. Wednesday, and its three occupants were taken in for questioning. Godbold did not release the names of those being questioned because no charges had been filed Wednesday evening.

The stolen items were recovered, and Godbold said charges would likely be filed today.