KENT COUNTY, Mich. — Northern Kent County saw two purse snatchings on Thursday. The first happened at the Sam's Club off Alpine Avenue, the second at the Meijer gas station in Algoma Twp.
According to the Kent County Sheriff's Office, four suspects driving a stolen car robbed a 43-year-old woman at the Sam's Club parking lot while she was loading groceries into her car. Police say she was pushed down when her purse was stolen. She suffered minor injuries.
"It's another example where stolen cars are not only the crime associated with that theft, they're most oftentimes used to commit other offenses, and unfortunately, this was robbery," said Kent County Undersheriff Chuck Dewitt.
Police also say that less than 30 minutes later, the suspects were using the woman's credit cards at the Meijer off 10 Mile Road near Rockford.
A 50-year-old woman was pumping gas at the Meijer gas station, when the masked suspects opened her car door and stole her purse.
"Through good police work and good coordination, one of our detectives happened to come across the suspect vehicle on 131," said DeWitt.
The Sheriff's Office worked with the Wyoming Department of Public Safety to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle after it pulled into a Wyoming restaurant parking lot.
"Once we tried to stop that car, unfortunately it did ram our vehicle. An occupant fled, that individual was taken into custody and was lodged at the juvenile detention center for the robbery," said DeWitt.
The suspect who ran before being arrested was a 16-year-old Wyoming male. A 20-year-old male from Grand Rapids has also been arrested.
Two more suspects remain at large, according to police.
Police also say it's too early in the investigation to determine if this case is connected to others in Grand Rapids and Ottawa County.
"We absolutely cooperate with area law enforcement to see if in fact there are any trends to see if they are associated, if there's a group that's working in concert together, but it's too early on right now to know if there are any connections with any other cases that have recently taken place," DeWitt said.
He encourages community members to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
"See if there's someone that's acting or looking suspicious, and be mindful of the surroundings. If you feel uncomfortable, then in this case perhaps getting into your vehicle, lock the door, remove yourself from that area."
Anyone with information can contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office here.
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