Suspect stole purse while pretending to aid woman
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Amherst police are looking for a woman who has charged more than $10,000 on a 77-year-old woman's account.

According to Detective Lt. Bill Tillman, the victim was dining at the Maple Road Olive Garden at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 when she said she noticed a woman watching her.

The victim said she finished eating and left the restaurant. According to the victim, that was when the suspect, a white female, approached her, saying the victim left her credit card on the table.

The suspect took the woman's arm to help her walk, in what the victim thought was a thoughtful gesture. In the same action, the suspect reportedly placed the woman's purse on her other arm. Once the woman was inside, the suspect left in a four-door tan vehicle. The trunk was being held shut by bungee cords.

"The victim realizes the purse is gone, with her credit card, one personal check and one insurance claim check for $1,800," Tillman said.

He said the credit card had been used at numerous locations, the personal check had been cashed for an unknown amount and the insurance check was also cashed. The suspect also allegedly opened a JCPenney credit card, which she maxed out.

Video footage of the suspect was recorded at the Wal-Mart on Transit Road in Clarence.

She is described as a white female, approximately 60 years old, with short red hair. She is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 140 pounds.

The department released surveillance footage that has been broadcast on the Buffalo news channels. Anyone with information is asked to call 689-1340.