MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis police released video of a man wanted for a purse-snatching outside a Crosstown Kroger store.
Police say the man ran up behind a 75-year-old woman Friday as she was walking into the store at the corner of Poplar Avenue and North Cleveland Street, stole her purse and shoved her to the ground.
“It’s the days we’re living in. It’s pretty sad,” said shopper Nicole Carter. “I’m always self-conscious when I come to the store about what I have on me. I don’t even hardly carry a purse no more because it’s just too dangerous.”
But even with at least half a dozen cameras facing the parking lot, the store only managed to capture images of the suspect from behind.
“Very scary. It make you don’t wanna come around here,” one customer, who didn’t want to share her name, told WREG. “They probably need more cameras. You know, something else to show more.”
In December, a couple of thieves targeted another elderly woman inside the same Kroger, laughing as they took off with her entire cart of groceries.
“An older lady – she’s just coming here to get a little groceries. It just don’t make sense,” that shopper said.
Police say the man they’re looking for in Friday’s robbery is about 50 years old with a light complexion and was wearing a gray baseball hat, white T-shirt and jeans.
The suspect was last seen heading northbound along Cleveland and then westbound on Larkin.
“I’ll be more cautious about what I’m doing, you know? I’m gonna be looking more,” that woman said. “Somebody could be lurking around or whatever. I’ll be more cautious.”
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 to the person who helps catch the man.
You can call in an anonymous tip to 528-CASH, if you know anything.
