Couple charged with armed purse snatching, drug possession

A Louisiana man and woman have been charged with armed purse snatching in connection with a December robbery, according to Lake Charles Police. The two also face drug charges.

According to authorities, the 23-year-old female defendant allegedly stole a woman’s purse in a Kroger parking lot in Lake Charles on Dec. 30. Two bystanders apprehended her, but the 21-year-old male defendant is accused of pointing a gun at them, causing them to retreat.

On Feb. 2, investigators with the Lake Charles Police, the Louisiana State Police and the Combined Anti-Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence reportedly shared by the defendants. Detectives allege they discovered items belonging to the robbery victim as well as various narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

The female defendant was taken into custody and charged with purse snatching, possession of marijuana, possession of Schedule I narcotics, drug paraphernalia and sale, exhibition, prohibited acts and distribution of harmful material to minors. She was held on a $19,000 bond.

The male defendant was arrested and faces charges of aggravated assault with a firearm, purse snatching, possession of a Schedule III controlled and dangerous substance, drug paraphernalia and prohibited acts. He was held on a $245,000 bond.

Individuals arrested on drug charges may wish to immediately seek the counsel of a criminal defense attorney. An attorney could provide guidance during police questioning and work to protect the defendant’s rights throughout the legal process. A lawyer could also examine the evidence for weaknesses or discrepancies that could be used to mitigate some or all of the charges. In some cases, it may be advantageous for a defendant to enter into a plea deal with prosecutors that lowers the charges in exchange for a guilty plea.

Source: KPLC, “Lake Charles Police arrest two on armed purse snatching, drug charges,” Christina Marie Breaux, Feb. 4, 2015