Wheat Ridge Police have identified Richard Cress, 54, as the man they say is responsible for at least 30 purse-snatch robberies in the metro area since January.
They say Cress typically targets elderly women who leave their purses in their unlocked vehicles as they pump gas.
In Wheat Ridge, five of the victims have ranged in age from 70 to 95, according to Lisa Stigall, spokeswoman for the Wheat Ridge Police Department.
Cress has grabbed purses from vehicles while they were occupied by children and senior citizens.
Cress has changed vehicles numerous times and is currently believed to be driving a dark colored Subaru Forester.
Other vehicles he has driven include a dark colored Jeep Wrangler, which was stolen and recovered, and a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo.
Wheat Ridge Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Cress with a $150,000 bond.
Anyone with information about Cress is asked to call Wheat Ridge Police at 303-235-2947.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
