An Arnold man is accused of snatching an 89-year-old woman’s purse Monday morning moments after she cashed a $300 check at a Harmar bank.
The suspect, Brandon Lee Crowe, 37, was arrested later in the day with the help of surveillance photos and information from witnesses, according to police.
Harmar police Chief Jason Domaratz said the elderly woman from Cheswick wasn’t injured. Crowe is accused of grabbing her purse just after 10 a.m. Police said he followed her from a PNC Bank branch after she cashed the check.
Police obtained photos taken by surveillance cameras inside and outside the bank, along with photos of the car in which police say Crowe left the scene, according to Domaratz. The police chief said the car was traced to a jitney driver, who apparently drove Crowe back to Arnold.
“We got there in two minutes. The bank employees did a great job in taking down a description. We were also able to get a direction of travel from surveillance cameras at Target,” Domaratz said.
At about 5 p.m., Arnold police Chief Eric Doutt said Crowe was being checked over by medics because he said he was ill.
Court records show Crowe will be charged with numerous offenses including two counts of robbery, as well as theft, receiving stolen property and related charges.
Crowe’s criminal record includes past convictions for theft, driving under the influence and trespassing, court records show.
