Florida Children Chase Down Purse Thief

Story by wftv.com On Mar 29, 2011

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --

A woman accused of stealing a purse was arrested and charged with grand theft after two children chased her down near the Daytona Beach pier Sunday, according to police.

Angel Baldwin, 12, and his sister Carina Baldwin, 10, witnessed the suspect, Ashley Turner, snatch their mother's purse, police said.

That's when the siblings took off after Turner, chasing her across the beach.

"I kept saying give me my mom's purse back, and she kept saying 'I have no idea what you're talking about,'" said Angel Baldwin.

Police said the children also saw two men who were with Turner.

"He said you are lucky you are a little kid or I would mess you up," said Angel.

But the children kept running, and Carina chased Turner into the bathroom of a nearby store.

Police said Turner left everything and ran. They said they were able to catch up with Turner down the block and they arrested her.

Police said they didn't have enough evidence to charge the two men seen with Turner.

If Turner is convicted, she faces up to five years in prison, according to police.

"I'm very proud of them, but I did have a stern talk with them never to do this again ... next time you call for help!" said their mother, Angela Baldwin.

Angel and Carina told WFTV they both want to go into law enforcement.

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