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A Los Angeles man charged with stealing a woman’s purse after he left his wallet at the scene of the crime pleaded no contest Thursday, officials said.
A Los Angeles man charged with stealing a woman’s purse after he left his wallet at the scene of the crime pleaded no contest Thursday, officials said.

Deputies Seek Purse-Snatching Suspect Who Left Wallet Behind

A suspected purse-snatcher is being sought after a man left behind what Santa Clarita Valley detectives might call a tell-tale sign at the scene of the crime — his wallet, complete with identification.


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Ismael Soto, 35, of Los Angeles area, is being sought by detectives for questioning in connection with a strong-arm robbery in a Food For Less parking lot in Santa Clarita.

Deputies were called to the scene of the incident Nov. 1, after a woman reported being robbed while putting groceries in her car outside the store at the 19200 Soledad Canyon Road in Canyon Country.

As the victim chased after the suspect in an attempt to get her purse back, the victim and a witness observed a wallet containing the suspect’s identification fall from the suspect’s pants pocket as he was running away from the area.

Detectives assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station COBRA team immediately assumed command of the investigation.

As detectives continued their investigation they discovered the suspect from the purse snatch robbery may also be the same suspect that was involved in a separate unrelated criminal threats-battery incident that occurred in Canyon Country in late September 2014.

COBRA Detectives are now asking the public’s assistance in locating Mr. Ismael Soto, a 35 year old male, so that they may speak to him in regards to these two separate incidents.

The whereabouts of Soto are unknown, however detectives believe he may be living in the Sylmar or North Hollywood areas.

If you know the whereabouts of Soto or believe you have any further information that can assist detectives, please contact Detective Barretto at 661-255-1121 or at mpbarret@lasd.org.

If you would like to remain anonymous, please call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Please do not attempt to confront or detain Soto, instead please contact local law enforcement immediately.

Deputies always encourage residents to immediately report criminal or suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.

We encourage you to stay engaged with helping us keep Santa Clarita safe.

No further information is available at this time as both these incidents are still under active investigation.

Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.

 

 

KHTS AM 1220 - Santa Clarita Radio

Deputies Seek Purse-Snatching Suspect Who Left Wallet Behind

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About Perry Smith

Perry Smith is a print and broadcast journalist who has won several awards for his focused, hyperlocal community coverage in several different regions of the country. In addition to five years of experience covering the Santa Clarita Valley, Smith, a San Fernando Valley native, has worked in newspapers and news websites in Los Angeles, the Northwest, the Central Valley and the South, before coming to KHTS in 2012. To contact Smith, email him at Perry@hometownstation.com.