By By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
June 8, 2001
Three armed men forced their way into a Meridian man's home Thursday afternoon and absconded with the victim's microwave oven, according to police officials.
The man was not harmed during the incident.
Johnson said the incident occurred about 2:45 p.m. The victim's home is located in the vicinity of 31st Avenue and 16th Street.
Johnson said once inside, one of the three black suspects pulled a handgun on the man while the microwave was being taken, then all three escaped through the rear door.
Johnson said all the men were wearing bandannas at the time of the robbery, but one was described as wearing a white shirt with black pants.
The escape route of the suspects is unknown.
Police investigators are also working to solve a late afternoon purse snatching in which the victim was "pushed down" by three men, who fled the scene in an "orangish-red" car.
The purse snatching occurred at the intersection of 25th Avenue and B Street about 4 p.m.
Johnson said an undetermined amount of cash was taken.
The three men fled in the car, which was already occupied by a fourth black male, according to Johnson. The car was last seen heading west toward 26th Avenue.
Johnson said to avoid having a purse stolen women could use a small wallet-type bag instead and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Anyone with information on these or other crimes is encouraged to call the Meridian Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 485-1859 or Crime Stoppers at 485-1860.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3226, or e-mail him at balexander@themeridianstar.com.