Birmingham Purse Snatcher Flees To NV, Arrested In Theft: Police

BIRMINGHAM, MI — A man who police said forcefully stole a woman's purse in Birmingham was arrested Friday in Las Vegas, according to police.

The thief was arrested on a felony warrant in connection to one count of one count of unarmed robbery and three counts of financial transaction device - stealing/retaining without permission, police said.

The thief was waiting to be extradited to Michigan for his arraignment. Police did not identify the thief.

Police said a man approached from behind a woman who was walking on Old Woodward near Harmon Street at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 4 and wrapped his arms around her neck, quietly telling her to give him her purse.

The woman told police the credit cards inside her stolen purse have been used numerous times in neighboring cities, officials said.

Police then determined the thief traveled to Nevada and worked with Las Vegas Metro Police to arrest the thief in connection to the robbery, officials said.