Washington, D.C. — A 49-year-old man accused of snatching purses from unsuspecting diners at Northwest D.C. restaurants was arrested over the weekend following a joint investigation by local police and the United States Secret Service.
The suspect, identified as Mario Bustamante Leiva, was taken into custody on Saturday, April 26, and charged with two counts of robbery (stealth) in connection to incidents where purses were stolen directly from the backs of restaurant chairs while victims ate nearby.
The robberies occurred on Saturday, April 12, at approximately 8:30 p.m. in the 800 block of F Street NW, and again on Thursday, April 17, at approximately 9:20 p.m. in the 900 block of 9th Street NW.
Key points:
- Mario Bustamante Leiva, 49, arrested and charged with two counts of robbery (stealth)
- Suspect accused of stealing purses from diners at Northwest D.C. restaurants
- Arrest made by MPD and Secret Service following review of surveillance footage
Surveillance footage leads investigators to suspect in purse thefts
Detectives obtained video evidence from both crime scenes, which helped identify Leiva as a suspect. In each case, the suspect allegedly approached diners from behind, grabbed their purses from their chairs, and fled the scene before victims could respond.
Leiva is also facing additional charges related to a separate offense under investigation by the United States Secret Service, though officials have not disclosed details about that case.
Police confirmed the investigation into these robberies remains ongoing as they look into whether other incidents may be connected.
Reward offered as investigation continues
The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of anyone involved in these or related crimes.
Anyone with knowledge of the incidents is asked to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or submit tips anonymously by texting 50411 to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE.