Two charged in connection to Frisco purse-snatchings at Target, H-E-B stores

One of the suspects was captured following a chase in Dallas County earlier this week.

FRISCO, Texas — Two people have been charged in connection to November 2022 purse-snatching incidents at retail stores in Frisco, police announced Wednesday.

In a news release, police said Tyler Payne, 31, and Thomas Cofer, 41, are being charged with theft and aggravated robbery in regards to two incidents at a Target and an H-E-B.

One of the suspects, Payne, was arrested on Monday, Jan. 9, following a chase in Dallas County. Police said Payne was suspected in a separate aggravated robbery in Frisco that same Monday.

Payne was taken into custody by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.

Cofer was already in Mississippi jail at the time, police said. He is awaiting extradition.

Frisco police said that on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, a victim had reported she was loading bags into her car at the Target at 4885 Eldorado Parkway when a pickup truck pulled up next to her. According to police, a suspect grabbed her purse from her shopping cart and got away.

About six minutes after that incident, another theft was reported at the H-E-B at 4800 Main Street. The 71-year-old victim in this case reported that a suspect tried to grab her purse from around her neck, according to police.

The victim was also pulled to the ground during the incident and suffered injuries, including a bruised neck and a laceration to her hand.

The two incidents remain under investigation. Police said anyone who may have information is urged to call police at 972-292-6010 or text FRISCOPD and the tip to 847411.