Local and State News

Purse Theft Arrest, Keep a Grip on Your Purse While Shopping

January 19, 2018

Fort Walton, FL – A Fort Walton Beach woman was arrested on Thursday, January 18, 2018, for stealing a woman’s purse out of her shopping cart January 17th.

April Ann Griffin

33-year old April Griffin of Windmill Drive is charged with grand theft.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the Walmart on Beal Parkway Wednesday after the victim reported her purse had been stolen. A customer service representative said a brown purse had been found inside the restroom. The 72-year old victim identified it as hers. It was missing more than $1000 in cash.

Video surveillance footage revealed that while the victim was looking at chicken on the cooling rack, another woman walked up, took her purse, and made her way to the restroom.

The thief was then seen leaving the store without the purse. Deputies were able to identify Griffin as the suspect and located her at a gas station on Racetrack Road on Thursday where she was taken into custody. During an interview, Griffin admitted to being at the Wal-Mart at the time of the theft but denied being involved.

The OCSO reminds shoppers to never take your eyes off your valuables and if possible, wear your purse across your chest with a long strap or attach it to the cart and keep it closed and in your sight at all times.

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