Arthur Kemberis: World War II veteran fought off attacker with walking cane

Police have released photograph of suspected attacker

Arthur Kemberis

Arthur Kemberis, 95, is a World War II veteran who still has a lot of fight left in him.

On Saturday, Mr Kamberis fought off a would-be mugger who tried stealing his wallet while he was picking up his wife’s prescription at a Walgreens store in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Mr Kamberis was leaving the pharmacy when a man reached for his wallet, which was in a zippered pocket. He fought off his attacker, hitting him several times with his cane in the neck and shoulder. A young man also exited his vehicle, approaching the scene as the suspect fled.

Police are searching for this man in connection with the attack on Arthur Kemberis

"But damn it, if I'd have had my cellphone, we would have nailed that guy, because the police station is only one block down," Mr Kamberis told WMUR.

Mr Kamberis said he could not understand what the man was saying, so he offered him loose change. When he realised the man wanted his wallet, he said there was no other option but to give him a whack.

"I had my credit card, my license, my grandchildren's pictures in there and all sorts of stuff it would have been wicked for me to replace," he said.

Police have released a surveillance photo of the attacker who appears to be in his early thirties. Mr Kamberis hopes the robber can somehow get his life together: “I would say to him stay honest — that’s all.”

Police are currently investigating the surveillance footage.