Miami Shores mayor robbed at Starbucks

Mayor Alice Burch chases after teens who snatched her purse

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – The mayor of Miami Shores was robbed Tuesday afternoon by two teenagers, police said.

Mayor Alice Burch was at the Starbucks near Northeast 95th Street and Northeast Second Avenue when the teenagers snatched her purse, police said.

Burch chased after them and tried to grab them but was thrown to the ground, police said.

"You know, we never advocate that on behalf of a victim, because nothing a perpetrator takes from you is worth your life," Lt. James Somohano said. "But I do understand, after many years, for many people, the instinct is to go after the people that took something from them."

Police quickly located the getaway car and attempted a traffic stop, but the teenagers bailed out of the stolen car near Northwest 80th Street and Northwest Second Court.

A total of four teens were arrested in connection with the crime.

Police said the teens were armed with a BB gun.

Detectives are investigating whether the teens were involved in similar robberies, including an incident this week in Midtown, where a Domino's Pizza delivery person was shot with a BB gun.


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Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.

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