Store manager robbed in parking lot | Crime

A convenience store manager was robbed Saturday, but she wasn’t behind the counter.

Linda Jennings is the assistant manager of the Mapco Express, 1020 Third St. in Newport.   She told police while walking to her car, just after 4 p.m., a man came up behind her and hit her, knocking her to the ground.

According to Lt. Patrick Weatherford of the Newport Police Department, the man then tried to take Jennings’ purse, but she resisted.  The man eventually got the purse and ran off toward Arrington Street.

Weatherford says an eyewitness chased the man a short distance before losing sight of him.  Police searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.

Jennings reportedly suffered injuries to her arm.  She was taken to a local hospital where she was treated and released.

Lt. Weatherford asks that anyone with information on this purse snatching call the Newport Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (870) 523-2722.