Deputies said both incidents were similar, where a tall, slender man followed the older women into the parking lot of a Kroger store on East Main Street in Springfield, made contact with them, grabbed their purse and fled the scene.
According to deputies, the first victim was 59 years old and the other victim was 86 years old.
Investigators identified the man as 23-year-old Matthew Nichols. He was caught on surveillance video as he followed both women into the parking lot, police said.
Nichols surrendered to deputies at the Clark County Jail on Monday afternoon. He was booked into the jail and he will be arraigned on Tuesday.
Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly said, “We were afraid he would strike again and that he would become violent with an older victim. So, we had an intense search.”
Nichols faces two counts of robbery related to the alleged purse-snatchings.
Kelly said this is a reminder that people need to be on their guard, no matter where you are at.
Deputies said they believe Nichols stole the purses to support a drug addiction.
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