Violent purse-snatching caught on camera

Police search for suspects

HOUSTON – A violent purse snatching in downtown Houston was caught on store surveillance cameras.

The crime happened around 9:30 a.m. Thursday in the 1400 block of Hutchins.

The victim, who didn't want to be identified, said she and her sister came from Louisiana to Houston to buy goods at a local grocery supply. While her sister was inside, a van pulled up to the woman. A man jumped out and tried to grab her purse, but couldn't.

The two struggled, and eventually, the thief got back inside the van with the purse, but the woman still had it over her shoulder and couldn't let it go.

One of the van's tires clipped the woman's arm. The thieves got away with her purse, cash and credit cards, authorities said.

The woman suffered a scraped and swollen arm and a bruised leg.

If you have any information about this crime, give Crime Stoppers a call at 713-222-TIPS (8477).