Mug shot: Scott McPherson
HEBER CITY, Utah — Heber City police arrested a 24-year-old New Jersey man who allegedly tried to steal a woman’s purse while visiting Utah for the Rainbow Family gathering.
Police responded to the Walgreen’s store at 588 S Main in Heber City Thursday afternoon after receiving a complaint about the alleged robbery attempt.
The victim told police two men in their twenties and a female surrounded her in the parking lot at Walgreen’s and asked her for money.
One of them allegedly tried to force the woman’s purse off her shoulder. Police said the victim was able to retrieve the purse and run inside the store. A Walgreen’s employee then called 911.
According to a press release, an officer located two of the people allegedly involved and detained them for questioning.
Police gathered further information and said the victim was able to positively identify the man who attempted to take the purse.
An arrest warrant for Scott McPherson was issued and police said they apprehended him without incident in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest – the site of the Rainbow Family gathering.
Heber City police advise residents to be aware of their surroundings and to call 911 if they see any suspicious behavior.
