Man Forcefully Steals Purse From Walking Birmingham Woman: Police

BIRMINGHAM, MI — A man stole a purse from a woman who was walking in Birmingham after closing her business last week, police said.

The Birmingham woman closed her business on Old Woodward Avenue when she saw a "suspicious" man walk by at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 4, police said.

The woman then crossed North Old Woodward and began walking on Harmon Street when a man came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her neck, quietly telling her to give him her purse, police said.

The thief then ran behind a house on Harmon Street, where police said a witness saw him coming out of an alley and crossing North Old Woodward Avenue at around 6:30 p.m.

Police described the thief as wearing a black hooded coat and light gray sweatpants.

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