SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah – Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly stole a purse with hundreds of dollars inside from an elderly woman Saturday, and police said the suspect pointed a gun at bystanders who chased him after the theft.
A 74-year-old woman who went shopping at Ream’s Food Stores, 2783 S. State St., was waiting for a taxi around 10 a.m. when a “street thug” ripped her purse from her shoulder and fled.
According to a press release from South Salt Lake Police Department officials, two bystanders witnessed the theft and chased the man east along Claybourne Avenue. When the man realized he was being chased he turned and pointed a black handgun at the two men pursuing him, who gave up the chase.
The suspect got into a vehicle parked at 200 East near Claybourne Avenue and fled. Witnesses said the alleged thief got into the passenger seat of a green Subaru Outback.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male between the ages of 20 and 30. He was wearing a white tank top shirt, blue denim pants and a blue head rag.
The woman who was robbed “said the suspect ‘came out of nowhere’ and ripped the purse from her shoulder,” according to the press release.
The stolen purse contained about $200 in cash as well as credit cards and personal identification valued at more than $300, according to police.
Anyone with information about the suspect or the alleged crime is asked to call South Salt Lake Police.
