By KRWG News
Las Cruces – A Grant County man who forcibly stole a purse from a 67-year-old woman on Wednesday has been arrested after he and a female accomplice used the victim's credit card to purchase approximately $1,000 worth of merchandise.
David Palomarez, 28, of Santa Clara, N.M., and Felicia Chavez, 21, of Silver City, N.M., were arrested early Wednesday evening after they purchased a television, clothing and other items using a credit card stolen from the victim.
Palomarez is charged with robbery and fraudulent use of a credit card. Chavez is charged with fraudulent use of a credit card.
Shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, police were called to the Barnes and Noble bookstore at the Mesilla Valley Mall where the woman's purse was snatched. Detectives learned that the woman was entering the store, from the parking lot, when a man grabbed her purse in a violent manner and took off running.
The force of the purse-snatching caused the woman to fall to the ground but she was not seriously injured.
The suspect ran to a blue Chevrolet Camaro and fled from the parking lot.
About an hour later Las Cruces Police located Palomarez and Chavez in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart store on Walton Boulevard where they had just used the victim's credit card. Police found Chavez in possession of several of the victim's belongings including her credit cards, checkbook, vehicle keys and other identifiable property.
Additional charges against the pair are possible.
Palomarez is being held at the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $20,000. Chavez is being held on a $10,000 bond.