Arrests made in Valleywide gym purse thefts
Aug 16, 2013, 4:37 PM | Updated: 4:38 pm
PHOENIX — Two people were arrested Thursday on suspicion of committing a rash of robberies at gyms across the Valley, police said.
Joseph Mendenhall, 26, and Katlyn Munger, 27, were arrested without incident. Mendenhall was in possession of a handgun at the time of his arrest.
Police said an undercover surveillance operation caught Munger stealing a purse from a local. She then took the purse to Mendenhall, who was seen taking things from the victim’s car. Munger was also see using the victim’s credit card at a grocery store.
An search of a Phoenix residence connected to Mendenhall and Munger revealed dozens of keys and cut padlocks, along with stolen property. Both suspects confessed to the crimes.
Police have connected the pair with almost 20 cases in the Valley and said there may be more.
Anyone with more information on Mendenhall, Munger or the crimes is asked to contact the Glendale Police Department at (623) 930-2000 or Silent Witness at (480) WITNESS.
