WINNIPEG -- A Winnipeg senior says a thief chose the wrong person to rob.

Phyllis Jolly had just visited a bank to pick up money and was shopping in the West End Tuesday morning.

Around 11:20 a.m., the 79-year-old was crossing the street when she said a woman grabbed her purse, which had $250 cash inside.

But Jolly didn't let go, and says she fought as the woman tried to steal her purse, grabbing her hair.

Jolly says three men and one woman who drove by in a truck came to her aid and called police.

She said three police cars showed up and her attacker was arrested.

"As hard as I was holding onto my purse strap, I was holding on to her hair," she said.

"I'm from Nova Scotia, we don't mess around out there."

Jolly said she's a bit sore and suffered a small cut on her ear, but other than that she's okay. She said the incident won't intimidate her.

Her purse was ripped, but her daughter plans to take her shopping for a new one.

She hopes the incident sends a message to other would-be thieves.