A Jefferson County man recently arrested for snatching a woman’s purse ia a primary suspect in a string of purse snatchings. The Denver Post reports that the 43-year-old man was arrested in July for a purse snatching at a grocery store, according to the sheriff’s office.
The suspect, a recent parolee, fled the store in an SUV. Deputies stopped an SUV later in the day in the vicinity of South Kipling Parkway and U.S. 285. The SUV was determined to be stolen, and the suspect arrested. Deputies recovered stolen property from the vehicle and from a hotel room where the suspect stayed. The stolen property linked him to six other purse thefts in the area.
The suspect targeted women who left their purses unattended in their shopping carts or were unaware of their surroundings. Most of victims were senior citizens. The suspect used the victim’s credit cards after taking their purses. The suspect faces other multiple charges and is being held in jail without bond for a violating parole.
Theft in Colorado is a Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor or a Class 3 or 4 felony, depending on the value of the items stolen. The penalty for theft also depends on the value of the stolen property and the events surrounding the crime. Repeat offenders typically get harsher punishment than first-time offenders, but again, it depends on the stolen property and circumstances. An experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney can explain state theft laws and advise you of your rights under those laws. Your criminal defense attorney will evaluate your case to determine the best defense strategy for you.
