South Gate Man Arrested in Cerritos Purse Snatching Incident, Accomplice at Large

Detectives from the Cerritos Sheriff's Station arrested a South Gate man linked to a purse-snatching incident and are continuing to search for his accomplice. 

On Dec. 21, Cerritos deputies responded to a call regarding a robbery that occurred in front of LA Fitness located at 11881 Del Amo Blvd, according to sheriff's Lt. Richard Harpham.

A woman told deputies that she had left the gym and was walking in the parking lot when a male suspect exited the passenger side of a vehicle and grabbed her purse. The suspect then re-entered the vehicle, which was driven away by an accomplice.

The victim provided the license plate number for the suspect vehicle, and dectectives tracked down the car in Long Beach later that day.

A 20-year-old man from South Gate, whose name was withheld, was subsequently arrested, according to Harpham.

He was the driver of the vehicle, Harpham said, but added that the man who snatched the purse remains at large. Cerritos detectives are continuing to investigate the case, the lieutenant said.

Cerritos residents are encouraged to observe the activities in their neighborhood and report any suspicious activity to the Cerritos Sheriff's Station by calling (562) 860-0044. To report an emergency or a crime in progress, residents should call 911. More crime prevention tips are available on the City's Safer Cerritos website at safercerritos.com.