Sunny Isles Beach Publix Purse Snatcher Caught: Police

Woman caught on video swiping purse caught: Police

A woman who was caught on camera swiping a purse from a shopping cart at a Sunny Isles Beach Publix has been arrested, police said Monday.

Mary Mitchell, 49, was arrested Monday and charged with one count each of grand theft and fraudulent use of a credit card, Sunny Isles Beach Police said.

The incident happened on Sept. 29 at the store at 18330 Collins Avenue. Police say Mitchell, of Hollywood, approached an elderly woman and engaged her in small talk about produce, as if they knew each other.

With the elderly woman's guard down, Mitchell grabbed the purse from the victim's shopping cart and took off, police said.

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Mitchell got away with about $500 in cash and several credit cards, which she immediately used at a nearby Walgreen's to buy cigarettes and gift cards, police said.

The incident was captured on the store's surveillance video system, which was used to locate Mitchell, police said.

She admitted to the theft but provided no additional statement or comment, police said.

Mitchell was being held on $10,000 bond early Tuesday. It was unknown whether she has an attorney.

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