Local News

Suspect charged in Durham purse snatchings

Durham police are asking for the public's help in solving a series a purse snatchings and robberies over the past three weeks that they think might be related.

Posted Updated

DURHAM, N.C. — A Durham man was arrested Wednesday afternoon in connection with several reports of purse snatching and robbery in the Bull City over the past few weeks.

Ronald Dukes, 36, of Sherwood Drive, faces numerous charges, including six counts of common-law robbery and three counts of possession of a stolen vehicle in connection with the crimes.

Since Sept. 25, there have been 10 reports from people saying they were robbed in parking lots while leaving businesses. In each case, a man fled the scene in an SUV, including a stolen red Ford Expedition.

Police found the Expedition on Leon Street after Dukes' arrest on Murray Avenue.

Investigators have not said how many or which of the 10 reports Dukes is charged in. They are still interviewing victims, and more charges are possible.

The man wanted in connection with the robberies has been described as black with a dark complexion, a muscular build, standing 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet 1 inch tall with a large muscular build.

In some of the cases, the man fled in a silver Toyota RAV4 or burgundy Cadillac Escalade.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Durham Police Department at 919-560-4582, extension 29240 or 29238 or Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.