'Violent' Purse Snatcher In Orange County Sought

IRVINE, CA -- Police this week asked the public for help in finding a woman suspected of violently snatching a purse from a victim in Irvine. The incident happened at 6:20 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot of Bed, Bath and Beyond, located at 13692 Jamboree Road in Irvine, police said.

As the victim walked to the store from her parked car, a female suspect came up from behind and grabbed the victim’s purse off her shoulder. The victim struggled in an attempt to keep her purse and fell to the ground, police said.

The struggle continued, and the suspect kicked the victim several times in her upper body and forehead. The suspect was able to take the victim’s purse, which contained credit cards, among other items. The suspect then fled in a black, two-door sedan, police said.

Immediately following the robbery, the victim’s credit cards were used at Rite Aid locations in Costa Mesa and Fountain Valley. The person who used the credit cards was captured on surveillance cameras at the stores and is believed to be the person who committed the robbery, police said.

The suspect is described as a white female with dark hair, 20 to 25 years of age, approximately 5'2" tall; and 110 to 115 pounds, with a tattoo on her upper back.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact Detective Keith Herter at 949-724-7183 or kherter@cityofirvine.org.

--Photo courtesy of Irvine Police Department