Purse Snatcher Enters Woman's Car at JCPenney: Cops

ORLAND PARK, IL — A 72-year-old woman was robbed of her purse just after she entered her car after shopping at the JC Penney store in Orland Park, police said Monday.

The woman entered her vehicle in the parking lot around 10:55 a.m. Monday and was approached by a man who opened the passenger side door and reached for a shopping bag on the floor, according to a news release from the Orland Park Police Department.

The victim grabbed the bag to prevent it from being stolen but it ripped open and as this happened, police said, the man grabbed a purse that was on the passengers seat.

The victim then tried to prevent the purse from being stolen by grabbing it, but after a brief struggle the suspect was able to remove it from the car and flee the area, according to police.

Police have described the suspect as a black man in his 20s with either a shaved head or short hair. He fled the area as a passenger in a newer model, dark blue 4-door Nissan Altima. The car left the parking lot toward 151st Street.

A sketch of the suspect has been shared by police.

Anyone with information should contact the Orland Park Police Department at 708-349-4111.