Fairfield Police are investigating a reported purse snatching that occurred on Friday, Dec. 21, at approximately 4 p.m. at Shop Rite. The victim is an 86-year-old woman, police said.
The victim told police that she was in the frozen food aisle when a man approached her and asked her questions about frozen dinners. When she turned around to answer him, she turned away from her purse, which was in her shopping cart, according to the report.
When the victim went to pay for her groceries, she discovered that her wallet was missing from her purse. She believes the man purposely distracted her while someone else snatched her wallet, according to police.
The victim described the man who spoke with her as black, approximately 5'8', slender, in his 30s or 40s, with a beard and mustache. He was reportedly wearing a dark hat and dark clothing.
Detective reviewed surveillance video and determined that the male suspect was working with a female, who investigators described as black, approximately 5'7", heavyset, in her 30s or 40s, with long curly brown hair pulled back with a headband. She was wearing a brown leather coat.
According to police, the two suspects moved through the store separately, each pushing a car with merchandise. Surveillance video shows the male clearly distracted the victim while the female suspect stole her wallet (this is not depicted in the attached YouTube video). The female then quickly thumbed through the wallet before placing it in her own purse, according to police. Both suspects then left the store without making any purchases.
Police are attempting to identify the suspects and are asking citizens to review the video. The video is intentionally paused at various points to allow for better viewing.
Please contact the Fairfield Police Detective Bureau at 203-254-4840, or mgagner@town.fairfield.ct.us, if you can identify the subjects responsible. Tips will be kept confidential.
