JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two people were arrested Sunday after they stole a woman's purse outside the Publix near the St. Johns Town Center and then took off, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said.
Kristopher Patterson, 29, and Amy Swords, 30, each face one count of robbery.
Police said the pair targeted an unsuspecting woman in a parking lot packed with customers.
The woman was walking out of a Starbucks, holding her purse, when a man ran up, snatched the bag and jumped into the passenger seat of a nearby car, which then sped away, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Police identified Patterson as the man and Swords as the driver of the getaway car.
Just minutes later, police said, the two were spotted at a nearby fast-food restaurant and taken into custody.
News4Jax crime and safety analyst Gil Smith said the incident is a perfect reminder for people to protect themselves any way they can.
"During the holiday season, I talk about carrying a crossbody purse. If the purse comes all the way across the body, then it's really not possible for them to snatch without a lot of struggle. They're not looking for someone to struggled with. They're look for a quick grab and run," Smith said.
The woman whose purse was snatch was not injured.
Patterson and Swords were booked into the Duval County Jail.