Fruitport Township Police Department is investigating two reported purse-snatchings that took place in the parking lots of two separate shopping areas in Fruitport Township within minutes of each other. Both incidents took place during daylight hours while the stores were open to the public.
The first incident was reported at approximately 1:30 PM on Friday, March 02, 2012. The victim in that incident reported she was exiting the food court doors of The Lakes Mall (5600 Harvey Street, Fruitport Township) when a male subject approached her from behind and grabbed the purse she was carrying. The male subject fled on foot with the purse, got into a vehicle, and fled from the scene in the vehicle.
The second incident was reported at approximately 1:54 PM on Friday, March 02, 2012, at Walmart (1879 E. Sherman, Fruitport Township). The victim in that incident reported she was followed by a male subject in the parking lot, and the male subject stole her purse from her shopping cart. The male subject got into a vehicle and fled from the scene in the vehicle.
Descriptions provided by witnesses and victims in both incidents suggest the offender in both incidents may have been the same person. Police are actively following up on leads. No arrests have been made.
No one was injured in either incident. No further information is being released at this time.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed these incidents or who may have information about the offender to contact Fruitport Township Police Department at (231) 865-8477 or Silent Observer 72-CRIME.
