Alleged assault victim files $2.5 million lawsuit against The Westchester mall
Richard LiebsonWHITE PLAINS - The Westchester mall is being sued for $2.5 million by a Dobbs Ferry woman who claims employees did not protect her when she was assaulted there in May.
In papers filed in state Supreme Court on Monday, Jelena Baletic says that she was "brutally physically assaulted" at the mall, and that employees there "were negligent" and "failed to protect her."
The six-page lawsuit says Baletic was "hospitalized, became sore and disabled, and has suffered great physical and mental pain, anguish and distress" as a result of the attack.
It says that she's suffered cuts to her face and body, and that she can't go to school or work because of depression and anxiety.
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A mall spokeswoman had no comment on Friday. The Simon Property group, the mall's parent company, could not be reached for comment. The mall is at 135 Westchester Ave.
According to a White Plains police report on the incident, Baletic said she was standing in line at the Auntie Anne's pretzel stand when a couple cut in front of her. She said she didn't say anything, but when she got to the counter, the man knocked her purse over and accused her of pushing him.
During the argument that followed, Baletic told police, the man shoved her and then punched her in the face twice with his right fist.
The police report does not mention any injuries or say whether she sought medical attention. Baletic did not give investigators a detailed description of the man.
Police Chief Anne FitzSimmons had no comment Friday, but said the case remains under investigation.
In seeking $2.5 million in damages, Baletic says in legal papers that she has incurred large medical bills.
Neither Baletic nor her lawyer, Dana Stricker, could be reached for comment Friday..