OCALA, Fla. – A Publix shopper snatched a woman's purse Sunday while the victim snacked on free samples, according to the Ocala Police Department.
Surveillance video shows Michelle Johnson, 49, getting a free sample from an employee at the grocery store at 3450 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Johnson is seen lingering in the area as another shopper approaches the kiosk.
Johnson waits until the victim's back is turned, then grabs the woman's purse out of her cart before making a quick exit, still clutching the remnants of her free food, police said.
Police found Johnson at a Bealls department store. Inside her car, police said they found the victim's stolen purse, another purse that had been reported stolen from a shopping cart on Feb. 17 and drug paraphernalia.
The Ocala Police Department posted about the crime on its Facebook page along with a warning to remain vigilant.
"Don't make it easy for thieves. They are on the lookout for items left in cars, grocery carts, dressing rooms or desks," the post read. "It takes only seconds to grab your property and get away."
Johnson is charged with two counts of grand theft, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and introduction of contraband into a detention facility.