Rockville Purse Thief Caught On Camera: Police

ROCKVILLE, MD — Detectives with the Montgomery County Police Department are asking for the public's help in tracking down a would-be purse snatcher. They released a surveillance photo Friday of the individual, who attempted to steal a purse in broad daylight from a woman at a Rockville bus stop.

At about 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 30, police officers responded to the report of an attempted purse snatching near the intersection of Twinbrook Parkway and Alderbrook Court. The woman told them that she was sitting at the bus stop holding her purse when the robber rode past her on his bicycle and grabbed her purse strap, pushing her to the ground.

The woman held on to her purse and suffered minor injuries, the police said. She declined medical treatment. The would-be robber rode away without the purse and was last seen heading towards Veirs Mill Road.

Anyone with information regarding the robber is asked to call the 1st District Investigative Section at 240-773-6084.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided that leads to an arrest in this case.

Image: The surveillance image highlights details of the would-be purse snatcher's clothes and bicycle (MCPD).