Renton police ask help to identify purse snatcher

The suspect stole an elderly woman’s purse on April 20 at the downtown Safeway.

A man stole a 75-year-old woman’s purse around 7 p.m. on April 20 at the downtown Safeway.

He is described to be a black man, approximately 6 feet tall with an average build. He was seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, a blue shirt and gray Nike shoes. He also wore a backpack.

According to a Renton Police Department Facebook post, the man was waiting near the front of the store, watching the victim and pretending to be confused.

When the victim turned her back on him, he grabbed her purse from the cart and left the scene.

RPD is asking public assistance to identify the suspect.

If you have any information regarding this case, contact Slinkman at rslinkman@rentonwa.gov (case 18-4905) or call 425-430-7500.