HOUSTON – Police have released video of a purse snatching outside a southeast Houston grocery store during the search for the suspects.
On the morning of April 30, the female victim was loading groceries into her car in the parking lot of the Hong Kong Food Market in the 9800 block of I-45 Gulf Freeway near Airport Boulevard when a silver four-door sedan pulled up and a man got out of the passenger seat.
When the woman tried to hang onto her purse, she was repeatedly slammed onto the asphalt before the robber wrenched it free and got away.
VIDEO: Woman thrown to ground during purse snatching
The man got back into the vehicle and the car sped off.
Purse snatching is a common crime targeting women in Houston. Similar incidents have resulted in major injury or even death. But Houston police say it is preventable.
They advise women carrying cash and valuables to stay alert and aware of people around them. They also advise that victims not fight back and risk injury or death.
Barbara Traylor, who operated Dark Gift Combat Martial Arts along with her husband, echoes that advice.
“If a guy is taking your purse, just give it to him,” She said. “Let him take the purse.”
The suspect is described as a black man, 20-25 years old, around 5 feet 11 inches tall. He had black hair and brown eyes with a medium complexion and was wearing a black shirt and black pants.
The silver Buick had paper plates 21R1544, with a spare tire on the rear passenger side and damage to the driver's side door.
Crime Stoppers of Houston will offer up to a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case. Call 713-222-TIPS.
