(1808 posts)
May 20, 2008 4:43 pm
Shoppers Beware!
FROM http://www.ksbitv.com/home/19110364.htmlThe suspects hit at least seven metro parking lots just this month alone. According to authorities, most victims were distracted.
Gina Crissman, a shopper, says, "They're busy with their packages or kids or on the phone or something."
She admits it's easy to do, but when it comes to parking lots you may now want to be extra careful.
Oklahoma City police say two suspects robbed victims in the parking lots of Crossroads Mall, Quail Springs Mall and a couple of metro Wal-Mart stores, just to name a few.
Sgt. Paco Balderrama, with the Oklahoma City Police department, says, "In several of these cases, the robbers have pointed a gun at the victim."
In fact, one police report states a suspect pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at the victim. He then took her purse. Inside that purse was cash and three social security cards that belonged to the victim's children.
"We really want to make the public aware that this is going on," says Sgt. Balderrama. "Simply for security reasons."
Police have also released pictures of what they believe is the suspect's vehicle. It's described as a late 90's possibly 1997 Buick LeSabre or Oldsmobile Cutlass with a possible tag of AKD-347.
Sgt. Balderrama says, "If you see anything suspicious don't go to your car. You should call for security or call for police."
Keep a close eye on your surroundings especially in metro parking lots. It's something one shopper works hard to do on a regular basis.
Crissman says, "I just try to be really aware of what's going on and have keys in my hands ready to do anything."
Oklahoma City police did arrest one of the suspects Tuesday afternoon. He's been identified as 19-year-old Anthony Keys. He's being charged with five counts of armed robbery and one count of auto burglary.
But authorities are still looking for another suspect. He's described as a black male, about 20 to 28 years old, about five foot eight and weighing between 185 and 200 pounds. If you have any information on these alleged robbers call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 235-7300.