Police search for robber in east Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia police searched an area of east Columbia filled with medical and other offices Thursday morning for a robbery suspect.

Several Columbia Police Department and Boone County Sheriff's K-9 cruisers searched Keene Street, up to the I-70 connector, Barrywood drive and Woodridge Drive with at least one police dog for the suspect.

The victim, Nancee Lehnhoff, told ABC 17 News that she was leaving Sam's Club in a motorized cart when a man ran up from behind her, snatched her purse and took off across Highway 63. A Sam's Club employee was able to get her purse and the robber dropped a cellphone, Lehnhoff said.

CPD said in a news release that the suspect has a beard and scar above his eyebrow. He was last seen wearing a green camouflage beanie type hat, khakis and a dark green sweater.

Police called off the search at about 12:30 p.m.

Lehnhoff said she was not hurt and all that was taken from her wallet was some money.

“The main thing is that I wasn't hurt and I’m thankful for that,” said Lehnhoff.