Alleged purse snatcher caught on camera

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Deputies are searching for a suspect who was caught on camera stealing a woman's purse from her in a parking lot.

Surveillance cameras were rolling in the Walmart parking lot on August 31 in the 6000 block of Fry Road and Morton Road when a robber grabbed a woman's purse, knocked her in the head, and took off. She went after him and fell down.

In her purse was $1250, the money was for her rent and she had plans to go to the bank and make a deposit after a quick stop at the store but the robber got a hold of it before she had the chance.

The victim says she was unloading her shopping cart when investigators say the thief struck her on the back of the head, then grabbed her purse.

"It happened so fast," she said. Local 2 hid the victim's identity because the robber hasn't been caught. "It was scary.  I thought I wasn't going to see my children no more."

In surveillance video, the victim then tries diving at the suspect's car, but falls short, before a friend runs to help.

The robber fled in a late model gray Buick.

Later that same day, deputies say the suspect and another man were caught on video at a different store using the victim's credit cards.

The single mother of three was hurt in the attack.  Paramedics took her to the hospital to be checked out because she had a gash on her head and was badly bruised.  She told Local 2 she missed four days of work because she was sore and wound up losing her job.

"I hope they catch them and can replace my stuff.  I'll be so happy.  I need my money because I have to pay rent," the victim said.

If you have any information that could help investigators catch the thief, call 713-222-TIPS (8477). You can also text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637).


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