Windsor Police have arrested two suspects after a woman was violently robbed of her purse in the downtown area 12 days ago.  Shortly after 12:00 p.m. on Sunday December 27, 2009 uniformed officers responded to the area of Tuscarora St. at Goyeau St. for a report of a purse snatching.  Officers were met by an injured 71 year old woman who advised that after leaving church and walking to her car on Tuscarora, a male suspect approached her from behind and grabbed the purse she was carrying in her right hand.  The victim refused to let go of the purse as the suspect continued to pull on it.  This resulted in the victim being dragged across the street as she tried to retain her purse.  The purse strap broke and the suspect ran from the area. A witness chased the suspect but lost him going over fences and through back yards.  The victim received a laceration to her left hand and swelling to a number of her fingers. She was treated and released from Hotel Dieu Hospital.

The victim's purse contained a quantity of cash, some identification and an M&M Meats gift card registered to the victim.  On Monday, December 30, 2009,  detectives received information that the victim's card had been used to make a purchase at the M&M Meats    location at 2405 Dougall Ave.  The purchase was made by a young couple with the male matching the description of the suspect involved in the original robbery.  During the purchase, the male filled out a membership card with M&M Meat stores to receive further promotional discounts.  Further investigation allowed detectives to identify the male and female as suspects in the use of the stolen gift card.

On Thursday, January 7, 2010, investigators received information that the female suspect had contacted the victim and wanted to return her purse to her.  The victim's daughter arranged to meet the female at a downtown coffee shop. At 2:30 p.m. on this date, plain clothed officers observed the female suspect arrive at the coffee shop and hand the victim's purse over to the victim's daughter inside the store.  Upon exiting the coffee shop, the woman was arrested. A subsequent search of the female resulted in finding the victim's driver's licence in her pocket. Officers located the male suspect nearby shortly after and he was also taken into custody.

Daniel REED - 27 years of Windsor is charged with one count each of Robbery, Possession of Stolen Property Under $5000 and Fraud.

Stephanie SIMPSON - 25 years of Windsor is charged with one count of Fraud.  

Investigators are actively pursuing leads with regard to the recent ongoing rash of purse snatchings in the city and are requesting that anyone having any information to call Windsor Police Investigations at 519-255-6700 ext 4830 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 519 - 258 TIPS (8477).         

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