Pair Arrested In Connection With Purse Snatching in Walnut Creek

Two suspects were arrested Sunday evening in connection with a stolen purse in Walnut Creek, according to police.

Charles Farmer, 43, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery, violating the terms of his probation, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of burglary tools, police said. A second suspect, identified as Stephanie Nelson, 31, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and violating the terms of her probation, police said.

The incident was reported at 7:18 p.m. Sunday at the Countrywood Shopping Center in the 2000 block of Treat Boulevard. Farmer allegedly stole a woman’s purse from the front seat of her unlocked, parked vehicle. The victim’s husband saw the theft occur and chased Farmer to a nearby getaway vehicle, according to police. The victim’s husband reached into the vehicle and in the ensuing struggle, the stolen purse was thrown onto the ground.

Farmer fled the scene and Nelson, the driver, was detained, according to police. Responding officers found Farmer hiding two blocks away and took him into custody, police said.

The victim suffered a minor injury but didn’t require medical treatment.

The purse was recovered, but with an undisclosed amount of money missing, according to police.

--Bay City News

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