FAST FACTS:
(West Memphis, AR 11/5/2009) West Memphis Police released surveillence video of two women they believe are tied to a purse snatching ring that targets female seniors.
The video was taken at a West Memphis Walgreen's.
Police say the women are shopping using a credit card that belongs to an elderly Marion woman. Her purse was stolen while she was at a gas station.
"These ladies are trying to pass cards taken in one of the robberies, they're our best link at this point," said Capt. Donald Oakes of the West Memphis Police Dept.
Cops say the list of elderly victims is growing. It now spans across 5 different cities including West Memphis, Jonesboro, Marion, Memphis and Forrest City.
The oldest victim, a 90-year-old Memphis woman says the suspects pushed her to the ground and threatened her with a screwdriver. She says part of her body is covered in bruises.
Investigators believe the duo is working with two men who are carrying out the actual purse snatchings.
"Spotting older females as they leave stores, [they'll] follow them home, approach them in the driveway, steal their purse," said Capt. Oakes.
A red Ford Taurus with tinted windows is one of two getaway cars. The second, a silver Nissan Altima was stolen from the 90-year-old Memphis victim.
"They want an older woman, they think they're stronger," said 64-year-old Nancy Daniels during an interview with WREG Tuesday. Her purse was snatched over the weekend.
"The closer he got, he started running towards me, I knew something was wrong," she said. "I said, 'What do you want?' He said, 'Give me that purse!' And he grabbed it and we had a tug of war."
Her 71-year-old neighbor was targeted the next day while she was unloading her car. Police believe the group followed her home from Wal-mart.
"If you think someone's following you, make a couple of unusual turns, make a block," said Capt. Oakes.
police caution folks to be on alert, aware of your surroundings. they say crimes like this really pick up during the holiday season.
if you have any information about this case, call Crittenden County Crimestoppers at 870-732-4444.
- List of elderly victims growing longer
- At least 7 victims in 5 cities
- Female suspects caught on tape
(West Memphis, AR 11/5/2009) West Memphis Police released surveillence video of two women they believe are tied to a purse snatching ring that targets female seniors.
The video was taken at a West Memphis Walgreen's.
Police say the women are shopping using a credit card that belongs to an elderly Marion woman. Her purse was stolen while she was at a gas station.
"These ladies are trying to pass cards taken in one of the robberies, they're our best link at this point," said Capt. Donald Oakes of the West Memphis Police Dept.
Cops say the list of elderly victims is growing. It now spans across 5 different cities including West Memphis, Jonesboro, Marion, Memphis and Forrest City.
The oldest victim, a 90-year-old Memphis woman says the suspects pushed her to the ground and threatened her with a screwdriver. She says part of her body is covered in bruises.
Investigators believe the duo is working with two men who are carrying out the actual purse snatchings.
"Spotting older females as they leave stores, [they'll] follow them home, approach them in the driveway, steal their purse," said Capt. Oakes.
A red Ford Taurus with tinted windows is one of two getaway cars. The second, a silver Nissan Altima was stolen from the 90-year-old Memphis victim.
"They want an older woman, they think they're stronger," said 64-year-old Nancy Daniels during an interview with WREG Tuesday. Her purse was snatched over the weekend.
"The closer he got, he started running towards me, I knew something was wrong," she said. "I said, 'What do you want?' He said, 'Give me that purse!' And he grabbed it and we had a tug of war."
Her 71-year-old neighbor was targeted the next day while she was unloading her car. Police believe the group followed her home from Wal-mart.
"If you think someone's following you, make a couple of unusual turns, make a block," said Capt. Oakes.
police caution folks to be on alert, aware of your surroundings. they say crimes like this really pick up during the holiday season.
if you have any information about this case, call Crittenden County Crimestoppers at 870-732-4444.
