Font ResizeLAS CRUCES - An alleged purse-snatcher who targeted a 67-year-old woman Wednesday at the Mesilla Valley Mall was arrested after he and a female accomplice allegedly used the victim's credit card to purchase approximately $1,000 worth of merchandise, according to the Las Cruces Police Department.
David Palomarez, 28, of Santa Clara, N.M., and Felicia Chavez, 21, of Silver City, N.M., were arrested early Wednesday evening after they purchased a television, clothing and other items using a credit card stolen from the victim.
Palomarez is charged with robbery and fraudulent use of a credit card. Chavez is charged with fraudulent use of a credit card.
Shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday, police were called to the Barnes and Noble bookstore at the Mesilla Valley Mall where the woman reported her purse had been snatched. Detectives learned that the woman was entering the store from the parking lot when a man grabbed her purse in a violent manner and took off running, knocking her to the ground.
The suspect ran to a blue Chevrolet Camaro with 20-inch chrome rims and fled from the parking lot, sparking a police search in the area of south Roadrunner Parkway. About an hour later, Las Cruces Police located Palomarez and Chavez in the parking lot of the Walmart on Walton Boulevard where they had allegedly just used the victim's credit card. Police found Chavez in possession of several of the victim's belongings, including her credit cards, checkbook, vehicle keys and
Additional charges against the pair are possible.
Palomarez is being held at the Do-a Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $20,000. Chavez is being held on a $10,000 bond.
