By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

The Clanton Police Department is investigating a purse snatching that occurred at Walmart on Dec. 12 at about 6:30 p.m.

The CPD received a complaint about the purse snatching. They investigated security footage from Walmart and found three suspects who appeared to be working together to steal from the store and its customers.

The suspects drove a small four-door vehicle to Walmart and parked near the front entrance. One suspect, who appeared to be female, entered the store alone and allegedly shoplifted an item. The two other suspects, who appeared to be males, roamed around the parking lot.

When the first suspect returned with the shoplifted item, the two other suspects allegedly snatched a woman’s purse and could be seen running back to the car while the female suspect placed her stolen item in the trunk.

The victims and witnesses confronted the suspects, but the two males drove away in the car and the female suspect walked away to appear separate from the other two suspects.

Detectives are unsure of the color of the car due to video quality, but witnesses stated the car had a blue temporary or rental tag.

On Dec. 13, officers were contacted by a citizen who had located the victim’s purse behind a nearby business. All of her property was recovered except $150 in cash.

Detectives are still trying to identify the suspects. The CPD has posted the security camera footage to the department’s Facebook page.

Anyone with information or who is able to identify the suspects is encouraged to contact Detective David Kline at 205-755-1194 or message the CPD’s Facebook page.