Columbia Police are investigating after an attempted armed robbery in the parking lot of J.C. Penny at Columbia Mall last night.
CPD reports the 69 year old female victim was walking to her car when she was approached by a female who was demanding her purse.
When the victim told her she did not have a purse, the suspect assaulted the woman with a sharp object.
The suspect fled in an older model compact car.
The suspect is described as a white female, late teens or early 20s, approximately 5 feet tall and 100 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to contact CPD.