A local woman had her purse stolen in a strong arm robbery in the Claiborne Hill parking lot.

Picayune Police Public Information Officer Capt. Theresa Milar said the call concerning the robbery came into the department at about 9:04 p.m. Thursday.

Apparently a black male about 40 years of age, and about five feet, seven inches tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds walked up to the victim in the parking lot and told her to give him her purse. The suspect then struck the victim in the arm with a closed fist and took the purse, Milar said.

The victim told officers that the suspect was wearing a white hooded sweatshirt with white jogging pants and left the scene in a white two-door vehicle similar to a Ford Focus. When the suspect left the scene, he entered the vehicle in the passenger side, which means he may have had an accomplice.

The vehicle left the parking lot onto U.S. 11 heading north, Milar said.

No weapon was described as having been used in the robbery. The department is searching for the suspect or suspects believed to be involved in the incident. Information pertaining to the incident should be directed to the Picayune Police Department at 601-798-7411.