OKLAHOMA CITY – When dropping their children off at a local daycare, many parents are most concerned about their loved ones safety.
Last Thursday, officers were called to a northwest Oklahoma City daycare after several parents say their purses and other items had been taken.
According to the police affidavit, as parents were walking their children inside, the alleged suspect would open their car door and take items that were in the front seats.
“He was bold and not shy at all,” said Crystal Vassar. “He would open the door, take the purse and loop around and do it again.”
Vassar is one of three victims who dropped their kids off at daycare last week, only to fall victim to the alleged purse snatching crook.
Vassar said, “I think it’s wrong. I hope he gets caught. I don’t like thieves and it’s wrong.”
After watching surveillance footage, a daycare staff member noticed the man getting into several cars, including one with a child still in the backseat.
When the alleged thief noticed the boy, he said, “Oh hey,” and left the vehicle without taking anything.
“Basically, what you see is his MO in action,” said MSgt. Gary Knight, with the Oklahoma City Police Department. “He will simply walk up, take the purse and then be gone.”
Police say the suspect, Jesse Hisaw, could be seen using a stolen credit card at a convenience store.
On Wednesday, the same suspect sparked a manhunt in Oklahoma County.
After Oklahoma County Sheriff’s deputies tried to serve a warrant for Hisaw for concealing stolen property, the 50-year-old led deputies on a chase before escaping.
Still, the thefts at the daycare serve as a good warning to others.
“Don’t ever leave your keys in the car with a purse in it,” said Vassar. “You just get to the point where you’re comfortable and then it happens.”
“It makes you an easy target,” said Knight. “Often times a car is left running with doors unlocked, valuables are in the seat where a thief can take them and be gone in a matter of seconds.”
The suspect has a lengthy criminal history of theft and drug related charges.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police.
