Atmore law enforcement officers are searching for the man or woman responsible for injuring an elderly woman Thursday during a purse snatching at the Dollar General location on Church Street.

According to Drug Task Force Agent Scott Walden, the robbery took place at approximately 9 a.m. in the store’s parking lot, when an elderly woman was pushed into the door of her car and her purse taken by an unknown assailant.

“She received just some bruising on her arm,” Walden said. “She wasn’t able to identify the robber. She said the robber was white with long, blond hair and wearing a baseball cap, but she doesn’t see well and couldn’t even tell if it was a man or a woman.”

Despite her eyesight, Walden said the victim was able to get the first three characters of the assailant’s license plate.

“She said the suspect got into a burgundy car — possibly a Ford Taurus — with a license plate that begins with 30B.”

Walden said the “30” portion of the plate is significant because it identifies the vehicle as registered in Escambia County.

Walden said the suspect never walked into the store, so he or she was not on the security tape.

“We’re just hoping maybe someone riding by saw something and can help us identify the suspect,” Walden said.

According officials with the Atmore Police Department, the person responsible for the robbery faces charges of robbery in the third degree — strong arm.
Walden said anyone with any information about Thursday’s robbery is encouraged to call the Atmore Police Department at (251) 368-9141.