Police arrest 1 of 2 suspects in violent purse snatching in northwest Dallas

By JESSICA L. HUSEMAN
Staff Writer

Published 20 April 2011 10:02 AM



Dallas police have arrested one of two suspects wanted in a violent purse snatching caught on tape last month.

Javier Duenas, 19, was taken into custody Tuesday in Grand Prairie on a charge of aggravated robbery.

A Crime Stoppers tip led police to Duenas, and he was arrested without incident during a traffic stop after officers observed him leaving a home.

He is being held in the Dallas County Jail on $250,000 bail. He’s also suspected of being in the country illegally.

The second suspect, identified as 20-year-old Thelma Delao, is still at large.

The purse snatching occurred March 29 in a parking lot in the 1800 block of Royal Lane in northwest Dallas. Investigators believe Duenas and Delao accosted Adriana Ibarra, 25, at knifepoint before dragging her across the parking lot by her gym bag and purse.

Authorities released security footage seeking help from the public, and the suspects were quickly identified. A second release of the video resulted in the arrest of Duenas.

Delao is described as Hispanic, 5 feet 1 inch tall and 170 pounds. Police say she is believed to be staying with friends in the area.

Anyone with information can call police at 214-670-6179 or Crime Stoppers at 1-877-373-8477.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect.

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