Police: Gwinnett mom turns in teen purse snatcher

Surveillance footage taken inside a Lawrenceville Kroger led the mother of a 15-year-old to call police Friday in connection with a purse snatching that took place outside the store Wednesday. (Credit: Gwinnett County Police Department)

Surveillance footage taken inside a Lawrenceville Kroger led the mother of a 15-year-old to call police Friday in connection with a purse snatching that took place outside the store Wednesday. (Credit: Gwinnett County Police Department)

Gwinnett County police hoped they’d get tips by airing surveillance footage shot Wednesday during a purse snatching at a Lawrenceville Kroger.

The mother of a 15-year-old recognized her son in the video played on the news Friday, Cpl. Deon Washington, a spokesman for Gwinnett police, said in a news release Monday.

The juvenile, whose name isn’t being released because of his age, was arrested and charged with one count of robbery by sudden snatching, Washington said.

Police said the juvenile, who was with two others, snatched a purse from a woman who was loading groceries into her car at about 1:30 p.m. The video footage was taken earlier from inside the Kroger, police said.

He is currently being housed at the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center.