Man Charged in String of Purse Snatchings

Howard County Police announced Tuesday they have charged a Lansdowne man in four purse snatchings since June 6.

Police arrested Andrew Deangelo Blackstone, 23, and charged him with 12 counts of robbery, theft and assault related to the four incidents, which all occurred near Columbia Town Center, according to police. Blackstone also is facing two counts of drug possession.

The first incident occurred at 9:30 a.m. on June 6, when a suspect approached a victim on the 10300 block of Swift Stream Place, pushed the victim in the back and stole a purse containing several items.

Around 9 a.m. on July 3, a suspect approached a victim in a parking garage on the 10400 block of Swift Stream Place, displayed a knife and forced the victim out of her vehicle. The suspect stole a purse containing several items and fled on foot.

Shortly after 8 p.m. on July 3, a suspect approached a victim in the hallway of an apartment complex on the 10400 block of Swift Stream Place, grabbed the victim's neck and forced her to the ground. The suspect kicked the victim in the back of the legs and fled with a purse containing several items.

Around 7:30 a.m. on July 18, a suspect approached a victim in a parking lot on the 10400 block of Swift Stream Place and forcibly took the victim's purse.

Police increased patrols of the area, in response to the incidents, and eventually identified Blackstone, who frequently stays with an acquaintance at a residence on Swift Stream Place.

Blackstone was found guilty of first-degree burglary and trespassing from two separate incidents in 2010, and has served six months in jail, according to Maryland judiciary records.

Police said Blackstone is being held at the Howard County Detention Center on $500,000 bail.