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High speed chase lands purse snatchers behind bars

SHEFFIELD, AL (WAFF) - A high speed chase over the holiday weekend through the Shoals lands a pair of repeat offenders back behind bars.

The crime itself took place in Rogersville, but the chase started in Sheffield, went through Tuscumbia and ended in Russellville.  An observant citizen who got a useful vehicle description called in the tip to police. 

Bobby McKinney is charged with breaking an entering into a vehicle and theft of property, while his accomplice Reba Mae Clemmons is charged with unlawful use of a credit card and receiving stolen property.

Sheffield Police recovered countless pieces of stolen merchandise. They found items ranging from expensive purses, driver's licenses, to medication and even social security cards.

Investigators said the duo stole several purses from vehicles in the Rogersville area and began throwing them out of their windows after police gave chase.

"They were able to put out spike strips and get the car stopped in downtown Russellville and we found on purse and the contents of that purse from one of our burglaries in the back seat," said acting Rogersville Police Chief Rodney Jackson.

"After an interview with Reba she led us to a place in Colbert county. We went there and actually recovered some personal objects from one of the victims," said Detective Chad Carruth with the Sheffield Police.

The pair had been in the Limestone County jail for similar offenses earlier in May.

McKinney is also being held for several outstanding warrants. Clemmons could face more charges.

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