Purse, Cell Phone Snatcher Captured on Video

Less than an hour after stealing a woman's purse and cell phone in a Manhattan Village shopping center parking lot on Friday, Nov. 29, the alleged suspect and two women were seen on video leaving a Target store after making a purchase with the victim's credit card.

Police released a photo of the trio Friday, hoping the suspects can be identified.

The incident happened around 8:19 p.m. when someone walking closely behind a woman in the parking lot grabbed her purse and cell phone, causing minor injuries to the victim.

The male suspect then entered a white four-door sedan occupied by two females. Police believe the man and two women then visited a Target store in Hawthorne and Inglewood, using one of the victim's credit cards to make purchases.

The man who stole the purse and cell phone was described as a black male adult, 6’ tall wearing a red sweater and unknown type of gym clothes, said police.

The trio seen exiting a Target store are believed by police to be the same who were involved in the robbery in Manhattan Beach.

The adult man is thought to be 20-25 years old and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, red sweatpants with writing down the left pant leg and yellow sneakers.

Both women are described as black adults, 20-25 years old. One was last seen wearing a black shirt and gray sweatpants; the other a white/gray long-sleeved shirt, pink pants and a maroon beanie.

Contact Manhattan Beach Police Det. Michael Rosenberger at (310) 802-5127 if you have any information on the subjects or crime.

• Previously: Parking Lot Robber Steals Woman's Purse, Phone in Manhattan Village