Niles Police release video of violent purse snatching

NILES, Mich. -- Niles Police released surveillance video of a man on a bike snatching the purse of an 80-year-old woman in a church parking lot. The woman suffered injuries from resisting the suspect.

On April 14 around 2 p.m. the victim was walking out of the Methodist Church parking lot on Cedar Street when a man riding a bicycle approached the victim.

The man grabbed the victim’s purse, which knocked her to the ground.

The suspect got off his bike and tried to pull the purse from the victim’s arm.

Once he successfully freed her purse, the man fled eastbound on Cedar, then went southbound on Fourth to Broadway, where he abandoned the bicycle.

The 80-year-old victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Police are asking for the public’s help identifying the suspect.

A $500 reward is being offered in this case.

If you recognize this suspect, or have any information please contact the Niles Police Detective Bureau at 269-683-0404.