Purse-snatching duo targeted older women

Palm Coast police dispatchers received four separate reports from older women who were attacked and had their purses snatched while shopping in a busy section of stores all near the Cypress Point Shopping area.

At 4:18 p.m., Wednesday, the Communications Division of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office received reports of purse snatching from Walmart, Winn-Dixie and Walgreens in Palm Coast. Two victims were reported at Walmart; one was 75-years old and the other was 64-years old. At Winn-Dixie, the victim was 62-years old and at Walgreens, there was another 64-year old victim.

Within minutes of receiving a description of the assailants, deputies located, identified and arrested two Palm Coast women on nearby Palm Coast Parkway.

Being held, without bond, is 27 year-old Rhonda Larkins of 10 Whittlesey Lane. She is charged with robbery by sudden snatching, battery on the elderly, petit theft and violation of felony probation.

Being held in lieu of $12,000 bond, Vanessa Guzman is charged with four counts of being a principal to robbery and petit theft. Guzman was also charged with tampering with evidence, introduction of contraband into a corrections facility and possession of a controlled substance; after deputies found prescription medication in her purse while she was being processed into the facility.

“These were crimes of opportunity,” said Flagler County Sheriff Donald W. Fleming. “These two targeted unsuspecting, older women and both are lucky that their crimes did not result in serious injury to any of their victims.”

Sheriff Fleming said you should be alert to your surroundings when shopping. Many times, purses and wallets go missing when criminals, working in groups, create a distraction while one snatches the valuables.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by FCSO