Information sought on Rehoboth purse snatching suspect

Authorities in Rehoboth say they are investigating two separate purse snatchings, that may be related.

Delaware State Police says on Tuesday around 5:15 PM, a man walked up to a 22-year-old woman who was sitting on a bench outside of the Nautica Outlet on Midway Outlet Drive, and asked for a lighter. Troopers say the man in-turn, quickly grabbed the woman’s purse, and ran from the area.

The woman was apparently able to follow, but quickly lost him. The woman was slightly injured after falling while chasing the suspect, but didn’t need medical attention.

Police say within a few hours of the crime, the victim’s purse was found inside the Superfresh store on Coastal Highway, with some items still inside, but an undisclosed amount of cash missing.

The suspect is described by investigators as a white male, standing 6’00” to 6’02” tall, last seen wearing a blue short sleeve collared shirt, khaki cargo shorts, and grey sneakers.

Police say this suspect has similarities to the suspect in another purse snatching that the Rehoboth Beach Police Department is investigating. That incident reportedly happened on Sunday around 3:00 PM, on Delaware Avenue, near Funland. The suspect in that incident reportedly grabbed a woman’s purse that was hanging on the back of a stroller, causing the stroller to tip over with a three-year-old inside.

The toddler reportedly sustained minor injuries. The suspect fled with the clutch style purse.

Anyone with information about the outlet snatching is asked to contact Corporal B. Cordrey at 302-703-3298, while those with details about the Funland snatching, are asked to contact Det. Tyler Whitman at 302-227-2577. Information can also be given to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.