SOUTHAVEN, MS (abc24.com) - Two accused purse snatchers drove right into a trap set by police in Southaven.
20 cops were part of the operation set up after half a dozen women were robbed at gas stations over the last week. All were targeted while pumping gas.
Cops say the crooks went after ladies who left their car doors unlocked. As the women fueled up, thieves took their purses.
"These individuals would drive up on opposite side of vehicle, enter into an unlocked door and take their purse," says Lt. Mark Little.
It was happening almost every other day. Police immediately saw activity on the stolen credit cards.
Southaven police began to notice a pattern and a suspect's car. "We established a time frame and location," Little says.
Using that information, officers came up with a plan.
"We set up on the Goodman Road corridor and had a decoy, one of our detectives, to go through the gas stations we were seeing activity at."
"Just as soon as we got ready to get started," cops spotted the vehicle.
Inside were 20 year olds Julian Bradley and Ladarius Sain.
"It was pretty obvious what they were doing. They were looking for a victim so we trailed them for several minutes."
Little says police didn't have to wait very long. "On Highway 51 we observed them strike and steal a purse."
Afterward a team of 20 officers sprang into action, cornering the car and chasing down the suspects.
"Once the purse was observed being taken within a matter of three minutes both were in custody."
The two are charged with one auto burglary right now. Little says more charges will be filed once the investigation is finished.
Both men are from Memphis. They're being held in DeSoto County jail without bond and are due in court next Wednesday.
