Purported purse pilferers prompt police proclamation

The Oklahoma State University Police Department is investigating an attempted purse-snatching occurring at about 1:40 a.m. Thursday.

The female victim was walking east in parking lot 62, south of the on-campus Brumley Apartment Neighborhood, when an unidentified male grabbed her arm that held her purse was on, OSU Assistant Police Chief David Altman said Thursday.  As she struggled to retain control of her purse, she was knocked to the ground, Altman said.

The suspect and another male fled the scene, according to a safety alert from OSUPD.  The victim was able to keep her purse from being stolen, but suffered minor bumps and scrapes, Altman said.

The suspects are described as two males age 18 to 20 weighing 150 to 160 pounds, according to the alert.  One of the alleged assailants is described as a white male and the second has darker skin, according to the victim's police statement.

Both suspects were wearing blue jeans and dark-colored jackets or hooded sweatshirts, according to the safety alert.

OSUPD advises anyone walking in or near the Brumley Apartment Neighborhood to use caution and be aware of his or her surroundings.  The OSU Communications office also issued a crime alert to all student, faculty and staff members' e-mail addresses Thursday afternoon.

Anyone who has information about the incident should contact OSUPD at (405) 744-6523.