Purse snatchers aim for east-side stores

Metro police are investigating several recent purse snatchings near stores on East Washington Street near Washington Square
Mall. Investigators are looking for several people, including one who wore a SpongeBob SquarePants jacket. He recently targeted
a children’s store employee, demanding her purse and the store’s bank deposit. Police say he had a getaway car and driver.
A similar incident was reported minutes later at the Cherry Tree Shopping Center. Now shoppers and store owners say they’re
keeping better watch of their money and their surroundings.