Woman Steals Purses From Rochester Hills Shoppers: Sheriff

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — A 37-year-old Auburn Hills woman is facing charges after stealing purses from shoppers at two Rochester Hills retail stores, according to sheriff's officials.

Lynsie Marion Leinenger was charged with unarmed robbery (15-year felony) and larceny from a person (10-year felony). She was placed in jail with a $10,000 bond. Her next court date is scheduled for Dec. 23.

Officers were called to the Kroger store at 65 S. Livernois on the report of a larceny, officials said.

When they arrived at the store, officials said a woman later identified as Leinenger grabbed a purse from a shopping cart and fled from the store. The purse, which belonged to a 64-year-old Rochester Hills woman, contained a phone, wallet, necklace and prescription medicine.

Roughly 30 minutes later, officers were called to the Meijer store at 3610 Marketplace Circle for a robbery in progress. Officials said the description of the suspect matched the suspect from the Kroger incident.

Officials said Leinenger grabbed a purse out of a shopping car and ran toward the back of the store. The victim, a 71-year-old Rochester Hills woman, chased Leinenger and knocked her down with the shopping cart, officials said.

The two women then wrestled over the purse before Leinenger snatched it from the victim and started running toward the front of the store, officials said.

As she was running, Leinenger fell and injured her knee, officials said.

The victim recovered her purse and Leinenger was arrested, officials said.

Officials said Leinenger has prior convictions for home invasion and uttering and publishing.

"This is a sad reminder that there are individuals who seek to prey on others – particularly the elderly – during the holiday season," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. "We urge everyone to remain situationally aware, and we specifically encourage women to keep a close watch on their purses and never leave them unattended in shopping carts. We look forward to this suspect being held full accountable."