One of the most popular areas of Kansas City was the site of a mugging early Sunday morning.

According to police, a man approached a woman as she was walking near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Westport Road around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, shortly after many bars closed in Westport.

Police said the man pointed a gun at the woman and ran off with her cell phone and money.

As police continued to search for the suspect on Monday, people who spend time in Westport said the crime has them keeping a closer eye on their safety.

"I go out and I go out pretty late," explained Rachel Hardin, who was walking the streets of Westport on Monday afternoon. "I feel like we're [in Westport] usually around that time. It's so scary."

Hardin said she carries around pepper spray to defend herself, and the mugging on Sunday served as a reminder to take certain steps before heading out.

"I try to go out in numbers with my friends," she explained. "We try to not let each other walk alone."

Others, like Ron Roecker, said they were surprised the crime happened near such a popular intersection.

"You hope that this is a safe place," Roecker said. "There are cops everywhere. You see them. You feel safe."

The mugging happened just a month after Roecker said he was a victim of a mugging near the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

"Two guys came up to me and one guy punched me," he explained. "They tried to get my bag. I swung them around and bolted."

As of Monday evening, police were still searching for the suspect. Police have released an initial description of the suspect. We will provide updates as more details are released.

If you have any information that may help police, you are asked to call 816-474-TIPS.

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Tom Dempsey can be reached at Tom.Dempsey@KSHB.com.

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