PRESS RELEASE — On Monday, August 08, 2016 at approximately 4:06 p.m., Officers with the Lake Charles Police Department responded to a purse snatching in the 4200 block of 5^th Avenue.

Investigation revealed that a 35 year old female victim was waiting to catch a bus when she was approached by a 17 year old male, later identified as James Lamarcus Freeman, 4254 5^th Avenue, Lake Charles, LA. Freeman approached the victim, took her purse and ran.

Responding Officers began searching the area for Freeman and later found him hiding in a ditch near the scene of the crime. The victim positively identified Freeman as the male uspect who stole her purse. He was then arrested for purse snatching.

During the search of Freeman’s clothing, Officers located a gold I-phone that was stolen earlier the same day during a Simple Robbery at the Chevron Food Mart, 1119 E. McNeese Street.

Both investigations are ongoing. Freeman was booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center for Purse Snatching. His bond was set at $12,500.00

Arresting Officers: Senior Corporal Benjamin Randolph and Officer Kalon Washington

Detective Corporal Willie Fontenot and Detective Corporal Dustin Gaudet are conducting the follow up investigation.

Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in this case. If anyone has any information or witnessed either of these incidents, please call (337) 491-1311.