Roanoke Co. police find, arrest purse-snatching suspect

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ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Roanoke County police say they've arrested the man responsible for stealing three purses since Friday.

Police have charged Joshua Allen Wheeler with three counts of grad larceny.

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Police say the robberies took place:

  • Friday, July 15 at 2:50 p.m. at the Food Lion in Hollins
  • Saturday, July 16 at 8:45 p.m. at the Bonsack Wal-Mart
  • Sunday, July 17 at 2:30 p.m. at the Clearbrook Wal-Mart

A white woman was also seen with Wheeler during the incidents and the pair were last seen in a silver Toyota Camry.

Wheeler would steal the purses after the victims finished loading their groceries into their vehicles, said police. He waited for them to return their shopping carts and removed their purses from the vehicles.

Police say the two have been seen on video driving through the parking lot for 15 minutes, looking for the perfect target and then act quickly.