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Posted on Sun, Apr 18, 2010 : 5:02 p.m.

Pittsfield Township police searching for purse-snatcher

By AnnArbor.com Staff

A shopper was robbed of her purse this afternoon as she was getting in her car on the east side of Pittsfield Township, police said.

The woman told police she was entering her car in the 3700 block of Carpenter Road at 1:44 p.m. when a man grabbed her purse and ran. She suffered minor abrasions, police said.

Police got a partial license plate number and located the vehicle nearby, a press release said.

The purse-snatcher remains at large. He is described as white, 30 to 40 years old, with scruffy facial hair and a hat with a bill.

Anyone with information is asked to call township police at 734-944-4911.

Updated story: Belleville man stole purse from 82-year-old woman, Pittsfield Township police say

Comments

jbolash

Mon, Apr 19, 2010 : 1:50 p.m.

there seems to be a bit of confusion, I am the real daughter of the victim. Just to let those involved know, an arrest was made earlier this am by Pittsfield PD. My mom received her stuff back, even some of the cash. My heartfelt thanks to all that helped her, the image of my Mother laying on the pavement, crying out for help will be difficult to erase. Those of you that aided her are the true heroes. She received a horrible laceration on her left hand from the pavement scrape but she is one "tough cookie" and will be fine. Again, thanks to all, and you are right, she is VERY loved.

Ricebrnr

Mon, Apr 19, 2010 : 9:24 a.m.

@ AAmommamia, I'm sorry to hear your mother was targetted but unfortunately, criminals rarely choose strong and fit victims. That is why I have often and vigorously advocated for people to be aware and look into all available and appropriate self defense options. There are programs available at low cost instructing in the use of pepper spray. Getting a CPL may also an option but nothing trumps awareness of ones surroundings to avoid being a victim. While this may be a distasteful subject, criminals DO NOT FEAR police or laws. They fear victims will the ability AND will to fight back. I hope your mother will recover from the experience quickly.

AAmommamia

Mon, Apr 19, 2010 : 8:52 a.m.

What the article doesn't mention is that the victim of this attack was an 82 year old woman. Yes, 82 years old, and my kind and very very much loved mother. What kind of low life would jump an 82 year old woman? I hope they are very close to finding and nailing this guy.

Lynn Lumbard

Sun, Apr 18, 2010 : 8:34 p.m.

Nadia, thanks for the information that probably should have been included in the article.

Nadia

Sun, Apr 18, 2010 : 8:30 p.m.

I was there when it happened. It was next to the Joann Fabrics in the Meijer's Shopping Center. I never thought this would happen in our area. She was defenitely shook up and the purse snatcher acted like he had a gun in his jacket. I hope everyone just becomes more careful now.

Lynn Lumbard

Sun, Apr 18, 2010 : 8:22 p.m.

Where exactly on Carpenter Road?

RJA

Sun, Apr 18, 2010 : 5:04 p.m.

I guess it is no longer safe for a woman to carry a purse. If wearing a (fanny pack) it is not safe either. It would create more danger to the woman. Guess we have to stash cash, credit cards, drivers license, on our body somewhere that is not visable. In the sock, bra, shoes, pockets of jeans ect. Keep car keys in hand, with pepper spray attatched might be a good idea. This is happening to close to home to suit me.