Man faces court in drive-by purse snatchings

9/11/2007

MONROE - An Ottawa Lake man likely will be arraigned today in Monroe County District Court for two drive-by purse snatchings, including one in which a woman allegedly was dragged alongside the robber's car for 20 feet.

Charles Wayne Jones, 44, is suspected of robbing a second woman a few hours later. He remained in his car for both of the robberies Sunday, authorities said.

Monroe County sheriff's deputies said Mr. Jones will be charged with three felony counts: assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder, and two counts of strong-armed robbery. If convicted of the charges, he could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.

He was arrested Sunday night by the Sylvania Township Police Department after Monroe County sheriff's deputies found him at a Sunoco carryout in Sylvania.

The deputies said they identified Mr. Jones based on the victims' descriptions of him.

Mr. Jones was held yesterday in the Lucas County jail, awaiting extradition back to Monroe County.

The first incident occurred outside a strip mall near Sterns and Secor roads in Bedford Township.

Monroe County sheriff's deputies said the 36-year-old Lambertville woman was standing outside her sister's car about 6:10 p.m. in the Deer Creek strip mall parking lot when the suspect drove up and stopped very close to her.

Mr. Jones asked the victim for directions to Summerfield Road, then grabbed her purse and drove off, deputies said. The woman attempted to hold onto her purse and was dragged about 20 feet before losing her grip, deputies said.

The victim suffered bruises and scrapes and sought medical treatment on her own.

A few hours later, Mr. Jones is suspected of driving to the Kroger in Lambertville, where he grabbed the purse of a 76-year-old woman, authorities said.

Mr. Jones also was charged in Lucas County for 16 outstanding traffic violations. Officials said those violations involve unrelated incidents that occurred over the last two years.

He is scheduled to appear in front of Monroe County Chief Circuit Judge Michael W. LaBeau on Sept. 20 for an unrelated charge of fleeing police.