Hoover suspect targeting elderly victims identified

Published 8:34 am Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Hoover Police Department has identified a suspect targeting elderly victims, but are still searching for the woman, according to Hoover Capt. Jim Coker.

Gretchen Pegues, 39, who lives in the Norwood area of Birmingham, has been identified as the suspect.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has two warrants for her arrest for theft of property in the second degree, according to a press release.

Police said the victims typically leave their purses in shopping carts and the suspect takes wallets from the purses.

The suspect’s vehicle is a silver compact car and may have a handicap tag or placard.

Two cases have been documented at the Wal-Mart on U.S. 280 in Chelsea. However, more cases may exist in the Birmingham-Hoover metro area.

Anyone with information should call Hoover Det. Tracy Harris at 444-7700.