Purse snatching caught on tape

DAYTON (WDTN) - Dayton Police Detectives released surveillance tape on Thursday, that showed a purse snatching in progress.

In the video, a man walked into Gem City Restoration on January 23. He hung out in the front lobby for a few minutes and waited for the opportunity to strike.

The whole time, Cheryl Ferarro, who works at Gem City, was just a few feet away. She was cleaning a bathroom and was completely unaware she had company.

While she was in the other room, the suspect grabbed Ferarro's purse, and made a quick and quiet escape.

After Ferarro realized what happened, she called police, who searched the area and found the bag behind the business next door.

"I'm scared, I'm scared," said Ferarro, who feels confident the suspect will strike again. Dayton Detectives agreed.

"We want to get him off the streets so he doesn't do it again," said Sgt. Moises Perez. "I'm sure he's going to do it again. I'm sure he's going to do it again until he is caught. The first crime he committed was trespassing in the property and stealing the purse. Then, an additional charge of using the credit card. I'm sure he's going to continue his little spree".

The suspect is described as a black man, around 45 years old, between 6' and 6'5. He was wearing a black leather jacket, with a Kangol style hat.

If you have know who this man is, call Crimestoppers at 222-7867.