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Man tackles purse-snatching suspect at Ohio Kroger

Updated  December 17, 2021 2:00pm EST
Crime & Public Safety
FOX TV Digital Team

Sheriff honors man who tackled suspected purse snatcher

The Butler County Sheriff's Office honored 27-year-old Deshawn Pressley, who chased down the man accused of stealing a purse from an 87-year-old woman. (Source: Butler County Sheriff's Office via Storyful)

LEMON TOWNSHIP, Ohio - A purse-snatching suspect faces robbery and theft charges thanks to the heroics of a man who refused to be more than a bystander.

According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, 58-year-old Derek Vaughn stole the purse of an 87-year-old woman the morning of Dec. 5 before bolting out of the Kroger grocery store. Other customers heard the victim’s screams and began chasing after the suspect, the sheriff said.

Deshawn Pressley, 27, got to him first. Deputies said Pressley chased Vaughn into the parking lot, tackling him while another Good Samaritan retrieved the victim’s purse.

"I call it the equivalent of having the pitchforks after him," Sheriff Richard Jones said. "They were angry as hell. They were pissed off. I’m still pissed off over it."

Ohio purse-snatching suspect arrested after being tackled in parking lot

The Butler County Sheriff gives details on the arrest of 58-year-old Derek Vaughn, who is accused of stealing a purse from an 87-year-old woman. (Source: Butler County Sheriff's Office via Storyful)

Police arrived at the store and arrested the suspect. The sheriff's office arranged a ceremony to praise Pressley for making a citizen's arrest.

Pressley said he and "Ms. P" had spoken inside the store just minutes before the theft. They had a conversation about Pressley’s 1-year-old daughter.

They parted ways and moments later, Pressley recalled hearing her scream.

"It was the yell that I need help," Pressley explained. "And I just turned around and did what I had to do as a citizen. And I’m glad I helped her because she’s a wonderful, lovely lady. And I just love helping people — especially older women. They need love, they need security like every other woman."

He said his mother passed away when he was young, so his grandmother took him in — giving elderly women a special place in Pressley’s heart.

Hero hugs victim of purse snatching

The Butler County Sheriff's Office arranged a ceremony to praise Deshaun Pressley for stopping a man suspected of snatching the purse of an 87-year-old woman. (Source: Butler County Sheriff's Office)

"I just know to help elderly people in need, definitely," Pressley said. "When I was young, I always shoveled snow for elderly women without paying. Like, I told them I didn’t even want the money. I just did it because I cared. I have a heart."

Pressley said the ceremony wouldn’t be the last time he and the victim see each other. They’ve scheduled a dinner date and they plan on remaining in contact.

This story was reported from Atlanta.