Westminster Purse Snatching Suspect in Custody in PA

Pennsylvania state police have charged Michael Wayne Schoolcraft, 53, of Pennsylvania, with the robbery and theft of a woman’s purse in Gettysburg early last week.

During a search of Schoolcraft's van, detectives found property belonging to several victims, including those of a Westminster woman whose purse was taken last week, according to a news release.

Schoolcraft was stopped late Thursday by West Manchester Township Police who recognized the white van he was driving from surveillance video footage publicized following similar robberies throughout the region, according to a news release.

Police say Schoolcraft was taken into custody on an unrelated warrant and is being held at the York County Prison where he’s awaiting arraignment on the robbery charges.

Carroll County sheriff’s detectives worked closely with Pennsylvania authorities throughout the weekend, officials said.

A warrant was issued today by the Maryland District Court Commissioner charging Schoolcraft with robbery, assault and theft in the Westminster incident.

Anyone who may have witnessed or has information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Fred Timms of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 410-386-2575, or the toll free anonymous TIPS Hotline at 1-888-399-TIPP (8477).