Police arrest pair of suspects

Long time Purcell resident Marilyn Ellis was accosted and robbed in the Purcell Walmart parking lot just after 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Officer John Albertson was able to apprehend the suspects, Paul Anthony Haggard, 39, of Arkansas and Laraine Marie Perkins, 28, of Arkansas near the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center shortly after the incident and recovered Mrs. Ellis’ belongings that included credit cards and currency.

Her purse was located in a field west of Rubys Inn and Restaurant.

Assistant Police Chief James Bolling said Mrs. Ellis was not injured in the attack but shaken up.

The two suspects, both with addresses of 105 Miller, Hot Springs, AR, had just been released from the McClain County Detention Center.

“They were seen on video of targeting as they let several young men and women walk by,” Bolling said.

Mrs. Ellis was targeted due to her appearance, Bolling estimated.

Police who answered the call were told the pair were wearing blue hoodies and fled northward.

Fast and professional actions by the police recovered the stolen items and arrested the suspects.