Markkisha Anthnisha Mangum and Martavia Latrice Blount arrested after stealing an elderly woman’s wallet as she shopped at Safeway in Walnut Creek, California store.
Two female suspects have have been arrested after being caught on camera stealing an elderly woman’s wallet as she was shopping at a California grocery store, authorities announced Monday.
Markkisha Anthnisha Mangum and Martavia Latrice Blount, both 22, were busted on Friday for the Sept. 9 theft at a Safeway in Walnut Creek, according to cops.
The two suspects from Stockton, Ca., were booked with a number of charges, including financial elder abuse, credit card fraud, and possession of stolen property, according to the Walnut Creek Police Department.
The department earlier this month had released surveillance footage of the crime that occurred as the victim was browsing the refrigerated meat section.
As the victim was bent over while inspecting a possible purchase in the frozen meat section, one of the suspects crept behind her and stole the wallet, video shows.
The other suspect was nearby and appeared to act as a lookout.
‘The women in this video worked in tandem to steal a wallet from an elderly woman’s purse in Safeway,’ the Walnut Creek Police Department posted to Facebook on Sept, 9.
It is thought the ‘smiling duo’ were identified shortly after Walnut Creek police appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the two women.
No lost love for smiling grocery store thieves:
The theft led to a tirade of comments on social media.
‘This is the most upsetting thing!!’ commented one user. ‘How can people be that terrible’
Another Facebook user wrote: ‘Elder abuse. This is absolutely heartbreaking. I hope she was able to get her groceries.’
Responding to the seemingly happy smiley mugshots, one commentator posted, ‘Why are they both smiling? Hope they receive a harsh sentence.’
While another Facebook user posted, ‘I hope a conviction follows to wipe that smile off. Maybe 1000 hours of community service too.’
KRON 4 reported bail being set at $22,500 for Blount and $82,500 for Mangum. Of note, Blount had an outstanding warrant for robbery.
