Suspect tricks, robs 91-year-old woman

CANTONMENT, Fla. (WALA) - Escambia County Florida Deputies are now searching for a suspect they say tricked their way into the home of Mary Greene, 91, who lives on Ridgecrest Road in Cantonment.

Gene has lived there for more than three decades. She says even though she lost her husband seven years ago, she has felt safe in the area.

But that changed Wednesday when she got a knock on her door around 2 p. m.

Greene says the woman said she was with a local church, making rounds at homes through the neighborhood.

She says she invited the woman into her living room, where they talked for minutes.

But the woman then said she needed to leave.

"I stood up and I walked out. She was ahead of me and then she stopped, turned around and came back and gave me a hug," says Greene.

Greene says the woman then claimed she left her cell phone on the couch and returned to get it while Greene waited at the door.

Greene says the woman, who was holding a large bag, then left her home.

"I went to reach for my purse but I couldn't find it. It then dawned on me after thinking all this out that my purse was inside that bag when she was walking out," Greene said.

Greene says she called authorities and she was notified of large purchases on her account.

She says one of the purchases on her account was for over $200 at the Dollar General right down the road from her home.

"I felt dirty. I didn't do a thing but I felt dirty. I cried a lot. It's just constantly on my mind. You try to be so nice to people and they take things from you," said Greene.

She says despite everything, she forgives the suspected purse snatcher.

"I feel very sorry for her. I feel sorry that they have to do stuff like that to make a living instead of getting their rear end out and working. It's a shame," Greene said.

Greene says more than $300 was taken from her.

Authorities say they believe a second suspect is also involved in the crime.

They say both suspects were caught on store surveillance footage, which will be released soon.