Police search for clues in series of purse thefts

11/17/2001

Toledo police are seeking information through the Crime Stopper program about three purse snatchings that involved elderly victims.

A 77-year-old woman was walking in the 200 block of East Pearl Street when she was startled by the sudden appearance of a man who pushed her to the ground about 10:15 a.m. Oct. 30. He grabbed her purse and ran through the yards of nearby homes. She was not hurt.

On Nov. 3, an 85-year-old woman was getting out of her car near the 3000 block of Elm Street when a man ran up behind her, grabbed her purse, and ran east on Kosciusko Street, disappearing in an alley about 9 a.m.

Six days later, another 85-year-old woman returned home from shopping when a man accosted her in the 500 block of Bronson Avenue about 12:30 p.m. He pushed her to the ground, hit her on the head and body, grabbed her purse, and ran.

All of the suspects were black. The suspect in the East Pearl robbery was described as short and wearing a navy blue sweatshirt. The man in the Elm robbery was about 6 feet tall, 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a black and gray sweatshirt. The Bronson robber was young, about 6 feet tall, and thin. He was wearing blue jeans, a blue jacket, and a gray knit cap.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stopper program. Callers may remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.