On Oct. 21 at 1:54 p.m., officers responded to the food court at the St. Charles Town Center for the report of a theft in progress.
 
Investigation revealed two women were seated at separate tables eating lunch when an unknown suspect ran past each table and grabbed their purses. He ran down the corridor and into the parking lot. A witness ran after the suspect and grabbed hold of him at a nearby business. The suspect broke free, dropping one of the stolen purses. Responding officers observed the suspect running through a neighborhood and gave chase on foot but lost sight of him as he entered a wooded area near Chestnut Street.

Officers canvassed the area and located the victims’ wallets, cell phones and other items. No one was injured. The suspect is described as a black male in his late teens, thin build, and short hair. At the time of the theft, he was wearing a white polo style shirt, a gray t-shirt, and dark pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Charles County Sheriff’s Office at (301) 932-2222. Officer D. Major is investigating.