Mother Chases Down 'Fat' Purse Snatcher In Northwest OKC

Oklahoma City Police have released surveillance video of a gunman who tried to rob a woman outside a northwest Oklahoma City store, but didn't get far.

On Saturday, December 10, the woman was shopping with her 2-year-old daughter at Family Dollar at 305 N.W. 23rd Street. She told police while she was at the checkout counter, a man stood near the front doors watching her intently. She said she became very nervous because she had several $100 bills in her wallet, so she tried to hide the money when she paid the cashier.

According to a police report, the store clerk also noticed the man staring at the woman. The clerk asked the man if he needed anything, and the man replied he was waiting for someone to bring him money.

After the woman completed her transaction she left the store, but she noticed the suspect followed right behind her. The woman told police she noticed the suspected followed her to her car and appeared to be looking around to make sure no one was watching.

The woman said she was very uneasy, so she quickly put her daughter in her car seat, then put her purse on the passenger seat and started to climb into the car.

The woman said that's when the man pulled out a gun, pointed it at her and said he wanted her purse. He reached around her, grabbed the purse and started to run away.

The woman decided to chase him. She said it was easy to catch up to the robber because "he was so fat." She said she also yelled and screamed but no one came to help her.

The woman fought with the robber, trying to pull her purse away. Police said that's when the man hit the woman in the forehead with his gun, leaving a gash in her head that later required stitches.

Despite the injury, the woman refused to give up her purse. The robber then started to apologize, said it was the first time he robbed anyone, and begged her not to call police. He told her he wasn't a bad guy, but he robbed her because he needed to pay his rent.

The woman ran back to her car. The robber tried to chase her, but couldn't catch up. The woman drove home and called 911. Other than the gash on her head, the woman was not seriously hurt, and her daughter was unharmed.

Police obtained surveillance video from the store. They've released the video, hoping someone will recognize the robber. He was wearing a white T-shirt, black hooded jacket and dark jeans. The woman also told police the robber was wearing blue contact lenses.

If you recognize the robber, call Crime Stoppers at (405) 235-7300. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.