Purse Snatching Near Washington University School of Medicine

ST. LOUIS, MO — Police responded to a purse snatching around 5:20 p.m. Tuesday evening after a Washington University employee reported a suspect grabbed her purse and ran. The robbery occurred near the Euclid Avenue parking lot, which spans Euclid from the corner of Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza to Clayton Ave.

The suspect followed walked past the woman then turned and began following her, according to the university's alert. After a struggle, the suspect fled east, running along MetroLink tracks. Described as a 6-foot-tall man, about 35-45 years old, wearing a black hooded coat with white stripes on the sleeves and red stripes on the back, a blue hooded sweatshirt, and khaki or gray pants, he did not display a weapon.

The University offered a series of best practices for anyone involved in a similar robbery or mugging.

• If confronted, do not argue with an attacker over property.
• Limit walking alone to and from campus whenever possible.
• Make use of the Clayton Garage on campus after business hours.
• Call 314-362-4357 for a security escort from Protective Services if you feel unsafe.

St. Louis Police are investigating the incident. Anyone with information should contact St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers toll free at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). All callers can remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted through the CrimeStoppers website or free app.