Man snatches purse outside Publix while people stock up on goods ahead of storm, deputies say

Nicholas Rosselle, 29, arrested at nearby gas station

OAKLAND PARK, Fla. – A South Florida man snatched a purse from a vehicle outside a Publix supermarket Tuesday night as people were hurrying to stock up on goods ahead of Hurricane Irma, authorities said.

Broward Sheriff's Office deputies said a witness saw Nicholas Rosselle, 29, taking the purse just before 11:30 p.m. at the Publix at 1003 E. Commercial Blvd. in Oakland Park.

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Deputies found Rosselle at a nearby Speedway gas station at 5002 N. Dixie Highway.

Authorities also found the victim's purse, deputies said.

Rosselle, of Margate, was arrested on charges of burglary and petty theft.

"Let this be a warning to other criminals that even during a state of emergency our BSO deputies are always ready to respond," BSO spokeswoman Joy Oglesby said in a news release.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.