(Atlantic, Iowa) [clarifies some info. in this update, 6/14/22] – Two people who are suspects in the theft of a wallet from a Wisconsin woman’s purse late Saturday morning, in Atlantic, are being sought by police. The incident happened at the Walmart store, sometime between 10:30-and 10:53-a.m. The elderly female victim reported she was in an aisle of the store when a woman with an accent approached her, and asked for help in finding the Alfredo sauce. 

During their interaction, and while the 84-year-old victim’s back was turned toward the shelves, the suspect’s accomplice quietly unzipped the victim’s purse, which was in a shopping cart, and pulled out her leather-style wallet. The suspect in the face mask allegedly took the wallet and zipped the purse back-up before the victim knew it was missing.

The suspects used the Credit card to make purchases at Walmart, Hy-Vee and Dollar General, in Atlantic. The victim was made aware of the theft, thanks to a call from her credit card company, asking if she had made the purchases. Hy-Vee officials confirm the suspects purchased multiple gift cards. In another store, cash was received from an ATM. The total loss from at least two of the stores), was at least $1,500, with a $455.95 purchase at Hy-Vee. An official with Walmart said an attempted transaction at the store was declined.

The wallet, complete with the victim’s checks, ID and medical information, was found on the ledge of a dumpster near the McDonald’s construction site. Some cash was missing, along with the debit/credit and credit card. The wallet was turned over to Atlantic Police, who have since returned it to the victim, who was visiting relatives in Atlantic.

Atlantic Hy-Vee surveillance images. Courtesy Hy-Vee and APD Officer Thompson.

Police were able to obtain surveillance video of the suspects at Hy-Vee. The footage at Walmart did not reveal anything of note, with the exception of the victim’s arrival in the parking lot. Police said other victims were affected by a similar scam, but further details are not available. If you have ANY information as to the identity of the persons shown in the still-frame images in this story, or have seen them and/or their getaway vehicle, please call the Atlantic Police Department.