Suspect who stole purse may have been armed

The Thousand Oaks Police Department has reported that Shirley Ross, 70, was accosted by a male suspect who demanded her purse in the parking lot of apartments at 555 Laurie Lane, Thousand Oaks. The incident occurred at 9:38 p.m. Tues., May 3. When Ross turned to face the man behind her, she noticed what may possibly have been a gun in his left hand. She threw her purse at the suspect and ran to her apartment.

Numerous deputies arrived at the scene and conducted a search of the area. They were unable to locate the suspect or the victim’s purse, and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect has been described as a black or Hispanic male (5-4, 120) wearing a black hooded jacket, dark pants and white shoes.

Please call Detective J. Reilly at (805) 494-8222 if you have any information.