Woman arrested, man sought in outlet purse snatching

SMITHFIELD (WTVD) -- Authorities in Smithfield are searching for a man wanted in connection with at least two purse snatchings reported at the Carolina Premium Outlet Center last week.

On Tuesday, authorities said a man grabbed a 74-year-old Clayton woman's purse while she was sitting on a bench outside a Cracker Barrel restaurant.

Two days later, a 68-year-old Four Oaks woman was loading items into her car in the parking lot of the outlet mall when she reported that a man quickly approached her and grabbed her purse out of a shopping cart.

In both incidents, the suspect fled in an awaiting older model silver or gray sedan, possibly a Chevy Impala or Malibu, according to police reports.

Officers later located the vehicle on Sunday at Becky's log cabin in Smithfield and arrested 27-year-old Brittney Elizabeth Moore in connection with the incidents.

Moore was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit larceny from a person, possession of heroin, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is currently being held in the Johnston County Jail under a $40,500 bond.

Authorities are currently looking for a second suspect, 39-year-old Bobby Bailey. Bailey is wanted on two outstanding warrants for larceny from a person.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Wheeler at (919) 989-1089 or the Smithfield Tip line at (919) 989-8835.

In the meantime, officers have increased patrols at the outlet mall and are encouraging shoppers to be aware of their surroundings.