HOUSTON—Some alleged purse snatchers who are now behind bars are accused of making crime a family affair.
A mother and her two daughters and son face charges of robbery after what police described as a crime spree targeting women and shopping center parking lots.
Linda Hinchley, the latest victim, was attacked while placing items in her car at the Willowbrook Mall Tuesday night.
“I was approached by a black SUV that almost rolled over my foot,” said Hinchley. “They grabbed my purse and dragged me along the concrete when I fell to the ground.”
Hinchley, who suffered scrapes and bruises, said she never saw the thieves coming.
“It only took 10 to 20 seconds for this to happen,” she said.
Houston police, who happened to be patrolling through the parking lot looking for car thieves, spotted the suspect’s vehicle, missing a license plate and speeding away.
Police stopped the vehicle. According to investigators, police found a treasure trove of stolen purses inside.
Michelle Coleman and her oldest daughter, 19-year-old Ebonye Coleman were charged with robbery. Coleman’s 17-year-old son Darrian Robinson was also charged with robbery. Coleman’s youngest daughter is a juvenile. Police said they found dozens of stolen credit cards stuffed in her underwear.
Hinchley was able to get most of her belongs returned. But she said her peace of mind in a parking lot is gone for good.
“It’s not fair for people to prey on shoppers like this,” she said.
Police are still trying to determine how many purses the suspects may have stolen.
