Grocery Store Surveillance Camera Catches Purse Snatcher

Tampa, Florida - A 17-year-old purse snatching suspect is in custody and tonight Tampa Police have released the shocking video showing his alleged crime.

Gertrude Bosch, 81, and her 80-year-old brother, Ramon, were shopping in the Publix Supermarket on West Hillsborough Avenue (map) when Tampa Police say Yoandry Perez of Tampa, snatched Gertrude's purse, knocking the elderly woman and her brother to the ground.

The incident happened around 9:23 Tuesday morning and was witnessed by a number of customers who ran after the suspect, who jumped on his bicycle outside the store trying to flee.

The crime was also captured on store surveillance video, which shows Ramon Bosch checking to make sure his sister was okay before jumping up to chase after the suspect.

The crime outraged many Publix customers who saw the video for the first time Thursday afternoon.

"That's sad. We are supposed to protect our elderly," said customer Stephanie Horley. "That woman could have been killed if she fell and hit her head on the ground."

Tampa Police quickly arrived on scene to arrest the suspect without incident. Investigators say he was carrying a knife in his pocket and was supposed to be on home detention.

Officers say both victims are shaken but were uninjured in this morning's attempted theft.