Crime and Robbery

The investigation continues into an attempted robbery Tuesday afternoon outside Opry Mills Mall after the arrest warrant for a man who surrendered to police Thursday was made inactive.

Police said a 66-year-old woman was attacked just after getting into her car by a man who opened her door, put a gun to her neck and ordered her to remove her seat belt.

That's when police say the woman fought back and tried to gouge his eyes with her thumbs.

According to police, the man then got in a gold car and left.

A short time after the attempted robbery, an officer responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of Lebanon Pike and Spence Lane. He saw Ivy Larue Dobson, 19, who was walking in the area and asked him for identifying information. He says Dobson complied.

Later, while reviewing surveillance video of the attempted robbery, the officer was able to identify Dobson.

An arrest warrant was issued, and Dobson surrendered to police Thursday.

In a statement Friday afternoon, Metro police said that warrant was made inactive - not dismissed - pending continued investigation, and they say Dobson has not been absolved in the crime.

Metro police said a person believed to be involved in the attempted robbery is in custody in another jurisdiction on unrelated charges, but further details were not released.

Speaking on Tuesday's alleged attack, Opry Mills General Manager Jad Murphy said, "The safety of our shoppers, retailers and employees remains our top priority and we will not stand for any criminal behavior at Opry Mills."

It was the second attack in the Opry Mills parking lot in just a few months. Earl Kelley was charged with attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed a woman in her car in July.

That case has been bound over to the grand jury.