Sikeston utility employee helps police catch alleged purse snatcher

An eye witness led DPS officers to the scene where a robbery suspect was hiding Friday afternoon. Department of Public Safety officers, pictured from left, are: Franklin Adams, Derick Wheetley and Zach Albright, going through evidence. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat) [Click to enlarge]

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The actions of a Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities employee led to the quick arrest of a robbery suspect Friday afternoon.

Around 1:20 p.m. Friday, a 71-year-old woman was walking with a friend in the 100 block of East Center Street, according to a news release from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety. The woman told officers a man ran at her from behind and stole the purse she was carrying on her shoulder. The man then continued to run east with her purse.

Police said a board employee who was working in the area witnessed the incident. The employee followed the suspect in his vehicle and radioed the crime into the board's office, which then contacted police to report the incident.

The worker followed the suspect to a public housing unit on Thrush Street, police said. When officers arrived, they made contact with the residents and obtained permission to search the home.

Officers found Terriante Maurice McClinton, 18, inside the home hiding in a closet.

According to police, McClinton ran into the home, changed his clothing and hid in the closet with the purse. The clothing and the purse were both recovered by police.

The Scott County Prosecutor's Office charged McClinton with second-degree robbery. McClinton's bond was set at $25,000.

Department of Public Safety chief Drew Juden commended the efforts made by the board employee, who wishes to remain anonymous.

"Without his immediate response, this crime would not likely have been solved in such a quick and timely manner," said Juden. "Sikeston DPS encourages everyone who has knowledge of or witnesses a crime to please call and report it."