Deputies Seek Suspects Accused Of Nabbing Purses From Shopping Carts

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Deputies are asking for the public's help with finding three-four suspects who are accused of multiple purse thefts throughout the Tampa Bay Area, a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office news release said.

According to deputies, a woman's purse was stolen from her shopping cart by this group of suspects at Walmart on Lithia Pinecrest Road in Brandon on Feb. 19. Later, the suspects are accused of using the victim's card at another Walmart and at a McDonald's.

Deputies said on April 3, three of the suspects were at a Walmart on West Waters Avenue taking an iPhone 13 Max Pro from a woman's purse that lay in a shopping cart.

The suspects are accused of doing the same things in areas such as Bradenton and Sarasota.

According to deputies, the suspects are connected to other similar crimes across the Bay Area.

"What started as a group of pickpockets creating a nuisance for a couple of people, has now become a ring of criminals that show no signs of stopping if and when they see an opportunity," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "This is a group of bandits who use means of distraction to lure victims away from their valuables while another in their group grabs what they want, and then take off before the items are discovered to be missing."

If you recognize any of these suspects or know their whereabouts, call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.

A Description Of The Suspects Provided By The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

Suspect : White or Hispanic male, between approximately 30-45 years old, with a medium build, last seen wearing a blue Adidas T-shirt, blue shorts, black shoes, black satchel, sunglasses, and a face mask. Also, the male appears to have tattoos on the back of both of his calves.

Suspect 2: White or Hispanic female, between approximately 25-35 years old, with a medium build, last seen wearing a white cropped t-shirt, blue scarf, black shorts, black shoes, and a face mask.

Suspect 3: White or Hispanic male, between approximately 35-50 years old, with a medium build, last seen wearing a black and gray Adidas t-shirt, gray sweatpants, black backpack, black shoes, sunglasses, and a face mask.

Identified Suspect Vehicle: Possibly a black Chevrolet Cruz (Model Year: 2011-2014) or Chevrolet Malibu (Model Year: 2013) with an unknown license plate.