Police ID ‘person of interest’ in local robbery

Mitchell police have identified a “person of interest” in a strong-armed robbery that occurred Friday evening, the city’s Department of Public Safety reported.

Detective Lt. Don Everson said that while the investigation continues, the person is being detained on a separate parole violation that has no connection to the robbery.

Police said the incident took place in a parking lot on North Foster Street, on the east side of the road near Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. A man approached a woman as she entered her vehicle. The man stole the woman’s purse, then fled the scene on foot. The victim’s purse was recovered in a back yard at 1400 E. Fifth Ave, approximately two blocks southeast of the parking lot.

Any information relating to this incident can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 996-1700. Tips can be anonymous and there is a cash reward available if the tip leads to an arrest of the suspect involved.

Tips can also be texted with “MITCS” plus a message to 274637.

Tips can be emailed at mitchellcrimestoppers.org.

A minimum of $250 is paid for rewards on all Crimes of the Week solved through Crime Stoppers. Mitchell Area Crime Stoppers Inc. offers this reward. Rewards will not be paid if crime tips, leading to an arrest, are not made directly to Mitchell Area Crime Stoppers Inc. by telephone, text message or by web tip.

To date, 340 crimes have been solved through information from Crime Stoppers.

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