Elderly woman dragged during robbery

COURTLAND, VA - An elderly woman is recovering after a purse snathing thief dragged her in his car, police say.

It happened around 4:00 on Wednesday afternoon.

Police say an 86-year-old patron of the Dairy Queen on Southampton Parkway in Courtland was leaving, police say she was accosted by an African American male, who grabbed her purse and jumped into a waiting vehicle.

The woman was unable to immediately release the purse and was dragged by the fleeing vehicle for a short distance.

The victim was transported to a local area hospital where she was treated and released

The person who grabbed her purse is described as an African American male, late 20s, small frame, 54 to 56 tall, between 130-140 lbs, wearing a white shirt with a navy jacket over it and black pants. The driver of the vehicle was described as an African American.

The vehicle was a white 1994 Pontiac Bonneville, bearing Virginia registration, ZPY-3093.

Anyone with information concerning this crime, or the whereabouts of the vehicle is asked to contact the Southampton County Sheriffs Office at 757-653-2100 or the Southampton County Crime Solvers at 757-653-2900. A reward of up to $1,000.00 is available for information leading to the arrest of those involved. Crime Solvers calls are anonymous and you do not have to testify or appear in court.