A Columbus man is behind bars for allegedly snatching an 88-year-old woman’s purse last weekend.
Police Chief Joseph Daughtry said James Earl Roland, 34, of Columbus, was arrested Thursday and charged with grand larceny, a felony. To qualify for grand larceny, the value of the stolen goods must be more than $1,000.
“The value of the stolen goods made this a felony case, and the man under arrest can be sent to prison for this action,” Daughtry said.
Daughtry said the victim was in Food Giant in East Columbus last Saturday morning when she left her purse unattended in her shopping cart.
When she looked away, Roland allegedly grabbed it and ran out the store’s front door.
The purse was recovered later, but with valuables missing, Daughtry said.
Police released a surveillance photo of the suspect over the weekend, along with an appeal to the public for help.
“I want to thank the public for their assistance in identifying this person and helping us locate him,” Daughtry said. “The professional men and women of CPD did outstanding work in this case, and our community is safer with this person off the street.”
A booking photo was not available by press time.
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
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