3 of 5 purse snatching suspects caught

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - UPDATE December 8, 2011: Three of the five suspects involved in recent violent purse snatchings have been identified. After seeing news coverage, Saraland Police detectives notified Mobile Police that three of the suspects in the surveillance video were in their custody.

Kelli Fillingim and Tealeasha Harris were arrested and charged with Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.

Anthony Staten was arrested and charged with two counts of Robbery Second Degree.

December 7, 2011: Five people are wanted for violent purse snatchings that happened in West Mobile. Police have released surveillance video and are hoping you can help them catch the perpetrators.

According to police, the two women at the checkout counter in the video are paying with credit cards they recently stole. They're two of five suspects accused of robbing and assaulting two women in West Mobile. The first crime happened on Theodore Dawes Road when the victim was leaving a Circle K.

"Two black males approached her. One grabbed her around the neck. The other grabbed her purse. They actually physically dragged her across the parking lot by her purse to remove the purse from her person," said Ashley Rains with the Mobile Police Department.

The suspects sped away in a white Yukon, then struck again at the Winn Dixie on South Schillinger Road.

"Another victim, while unloading her groceries, was also charged by two black males - same thing. They knocked her to the ground. She held onto her purse and was dragged about five to ten feet across the parking lot before she let go of the purse," Rains said.

Then police said the thieves went on a spending spree.

"The suspects took credit cards and debit cards and went to Walmart and a couple of other area restaurants and gas stations and used these credit cards immediately," Rains explained.

Police need your to help get these violent crooks off the street.

"They kind of run up and charge the person and grab their purse, and they’re obviously not scared if you hold onto your purse to drag you," Rains said.

Regardless of what valuables are inside your purse, police said just give it up to prevent further harm. Your arm can easily get caught if it’s pulled for some reason, so just let it go.

“It's scary," said Eula Reed, "but it’s happening more and more." Reed said parks close to the door when she's shopping alone.

Police said you can also stay safe with a few tips.

"Always be aware of your surroundings, park in a well lit area, and before you walk outside, go ahead and have your keys in your hand," said Rains.

Officers ask that you look at the surveillance video and pictures included with this story. If anyone can identify these suspects, please call the Mobile Police Department at 208-7211, Crime Stoppers at 208-7000 or text to CRIMES (274637) and include the keyword CRIME 411.