Detectives Identify and Arrest a Suspected Purse Snatcher at his Residence
SAN RAFAEL — A suspected purse snatcher was arrested by detectives from San Rafael PD at his residence 30 miles away from the crime scene. Witnesses who saw a man forcibly take a woman’s purse and surveillance video were key to solving this crime.
The victim suffered minor injuries on November 15 when she was robbed by the man who fled by car. Her ordeal happened near retail stores at Shamrock Center located on Irwin Street in San Rafael.
Witnesses were interviewed and surveillance video recordings were obtained from the area of the crime scene. In addition, detectives also reviewed video recordings of the victim’s bankcard being used for fraudulent transactions.
Detectives traced transactions enabling them to identify the suspect from surveillance videos. The suspect is 35-year-old Luis R. Linarte, a gurney transport assistant, who lives in the city of Sonoma.
In a prepared statement San Rafael police said. “This case was largely solved through investigative leads, as well as witnesses who called 911 during the crime.”
Arrest and search warrants were obtained. They were executed February 22 at an apartment building on the 500 block of Louise Way in Sonoma. Linarte was taken into custody and transported to Marin County Jail.
Linarte was booked for robbery, obtaining/using other’s identity, and theft using an access card without consent. He remains in custody pending review of his open charges and parole violation.
