Thief robs Pokemon Go player of her purse

The Sarasota Police Department is reminding Pokemon Go players to be vigilant after a woman’s purse was stolen while playing the popular game.

About 9:45 p.m. Monday, a 19-year-old Venice woman was playing the game near the Unconditional Surrender kiss statue by Marina Jack when a man came up from behind her and snatched her purse from her shoulder, knocking her to the ground, police said.

The suspect was seen running northbound on U.S. 41. He was wearing a blue shirt, blue shorts and a straw hat and is said to be 5 feet, 8 inches tall, with a thin build.

Officers who responded to the scene searched for the suspect with a K-9. Only the victim’s purse was recovered a block away, but it was missing her wallet, police said.

Anyone with information can call Sarasota police at 941-954-7070 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-8477 or going online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.

This story was originally published August 16, 2016 at 9:46 AM with the headline "Thief robs Pokemon Go player of her purse."