Friday, Nov. 16, 2012

Suspected female purse-snatcher arrested in Los Banos

A woman is in custody after allegedly threatening a teenager and stealing her purse, police said.

Sgt. Jason Hedden said his department received a report of a robbery in the 800 block of Illinois Avenue at 8:27 p.m. Wednesday.

Police arrived and spoke with a 16-year-old girl who reported that she was walking home when a woman came at her from behind, threatened her and demanded her purse.

Police said the robber took the teen's purse and fled the scene.

Hedden said two hours later police found the woman at a home in the same block where the purse was stolen. Hedden said a search warrant was served and Bianca Nieto, 21, was taken into custody.

Nieto was arrested on suspicion of robbery and street terrorism. She is being held at the Merced County Jail in lieu of $115,000 bail.

Hedden said the 16-year-old was not injured and there's no indication a weapon was used.

Anyone with more information about this incident is asked to contact the Los Banos Police Department at (209) 827-7070.