Only On 9: Police Nab Man Suspected In Designer Purse Snatchings
SHERMAN OAKS (CBSLA.com) — Women with designer handbags can rest easier at grocery stores now that police say they've arrested a serial purse snatcher.
Officials say the suspected thief targeted women in the San Fernando Valley.
One of the robberies happened in the middle of the day at a Trader Joe's parking lot in Sherman Oaks, when Marjorie Barr was putting groceries in her trunk.
"All of a sudden, I felt a tug, and it came down to about here. And that's when I knew it, I started going with him," said Barr, who hurt her leg while trying to hang on to her purse. "I thought maybe I could save it, but I couldn't."
Police say they have video of the man doing the same thing to another woman in a Ralph's parking lot in Sherman Oaks. It's footage you'll only see on CBS2/KCAL9.
"He would attack people from their blind spots so, in many instances, the victims don't even see his face," LAPD Det. Kenneth White said.
Investigators say the thief targeted women with expensive handbags.
Barr is one of more than a dozen victims the suspect robbed in the past month, according to police.
Officials arrested him last week after he allegedly tried to rob another woman.
"We know there's probably more instances where this has occurred. It's possible, definitely possible, more than the ones we know about," said White, who urged other possible victims to come forward.
Barr says she's relieved the suspect has been caught. Still, she urges people to be cognizant of their surroundings.
"I'm looking much more around, more aware of my surroundings. Don't let your guard down, especially in a public place," Barr said.
Police aren't releasing the suspect's name, only saying he's a convicted felon.
