Broward Sheriffs Office

DUI Arrest Leads Deputies to Church Purse Snatching Suspect: BSO

The man accused of snatching an 84-year-old woman's purse while she prayed in church has been arrested, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.

The incident happened on Dec. 20 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven in North Lauderdale.

Surveillance cameras captured the suspect walking in, scanning the room and zeroing in on the victim who had placed her purse on the chair next to her. The video shows the suspect sliding the purse off the chair and rushing out.

The victim noticed that someone had taken her purse and walked out after him, but the suspect had fled.

Deputies said after media reports showed video of the man, a Crime Stoppers tip identified him as 30-year-old Jonathan Somps. The tipster said Somps was at the church attending his niece's baptism. His relatives were able to confirm his identity.

Despite having his identity, deputies said they were unable to locate him. However, on Jan. 15 Somps was arrested for driving under the influence. He was then charged with grand theft for the purse snatching.

Somps was released on bond the following day. It's unknown whether he has an attorney.

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