I just saw this lady on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. After telling her story, Jay said something like she was good example for elderly people and that they shouldn't just take this kind of stuff.
I have to say that this was a very foolish thing this lady did, and she is very lucky she is alive. Quite frankly, it has nothing to do with "standing up" to criminals, or not standing idly by while someone is in danger. I am all for fighting back (when safe to do so, or when absolutely necessary), but even an expert takes a risk when fighting back, and must determine the right moment to act, and how to proceed.
For an elderly lady, who apparently has no particular training, to pursue this criminal to a remote location, just for some materialistic items, is just plain senseless. In Law Enforcement, this is what we call creating a "second crime scene." Her purse was stolen at the first crime scene, but she could very well have been found dead at the second crime scene. She was very lucky that this particular thief was a bit of a wimp who was just down on his luck. Had it been a hardened criminal, she would not likely be around to tell this story, and then I imagine that most people would be saying, "What was that poor deceased woman thinking. She didn't need to end her life over a purse and a few dollars. She could have given a description to the police, canceled her credit cards, and survived to spend a few more years with her family and loved ones."
Yes, it is your choice to stand up against a crime in progress. If you are trained and feel particularly brave, then it is your choice to pursue a fleeing criminal (goodness knows I've done it more than a few times). I am also all for people "getting involved" to help protect innocent victims who are in eminent danger. However, to praise this elderly woman for a foolish (even though lucky and successful) act, sends a message to others which could cost more people their lives.
Get the training you need first. Fight back, if you wish, when the fight is on, but to pursue a criminal with little chance of surviving an altercation is very poor advice. Stay safe, stay alive - - let the police pursue the bad guys.
That's my personal and professional opinion.
CM D.J. Eisenhart