PITTSFORD, N.Y. — Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a reported purse snatching and carjacking suspect.

Authorities say the incidents happened near Pittsford Plaza on Monroe Avenue last Friday around 6:45 p.m.

“A victim was walking out of the Barnes and Noble, which is located in Pittsford Plaza, when a suspect came up to her and stole a purse off of her shoulder,” Monroe County Sheriff Deputy Sgt. Matthew Bottone said.

What You Need To Know

  • Police are searching for a man after a reported purse snatching and carjacking

  • The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is advising people to always lock their car doors, never chase a suspect if you are the victim of a crime and to be vigilant

  • The suspect is still at large and sheriff deputies are asking anyone with information about him or his whereabouts to please contact Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office says the male suspect then attempted to find the victim’s car with the key fob, but the victim chased him off.

Shortly after, police say the suspect pushed a random person, who was stopped at a nearby traffic light, out of their 2014 Honda CRV. The suspect then drove off and headed toward the city, police explained.

“[It was] definitely alarming and not something you’d expect to happen around here,” said Pittsford resident Lindsay Gore. “If it tends to become a pattern, that would become more alarming. But I think for now, I’m not concerned.”

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is advising people to always lock their car doors, never chase a suspect if you are the victim of a crime and be vigilant.

“We just ask that you really pay attention and look for things that seems out of place," Bottone said. “And if you see something that seems out of place or gives you that feeling that something might not be right, call 911. Let us at least get deputies or officers started that way so that we can try to address that situation.”

Some people Spectrum News 1 spoke to say police are doing a good job with patrols in the area, so there’s no big concern about safety.

“I feel the police protection is good here in Pittsford and in other areas of the city and the suburbs,” Arlee Valentine of Fairport said.

“I trust that police are doing the best that they can,” Gore added. “And hopefully [they] will catch whoever committed this crime.”

The suspect is still at large and sheriff deputies are asking anyone with information about him or his whereabouts to please contact Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 585-753-4175.