Man accused of stealing purses at Gig Harbor library

Published 7:52 pm Thursday, September 11, 2014

GIG HARBOR — A 29-year-old man accused of grabbing purses from two women in their 70s — and knocking one of them to the ground — outside a Gig Harbor library has pleaded not guilty.

The News Tribune reports that Adam Bassett is charged with first-degree robbery and first-degree theft. He entered his plea Thursday. Bail was set at $200,000.

In court documents, prosecutors allege the man stole a 78-year-old woman’s purse and knocked her to the ground Wednesday outside the library. She was treated at a hospital for head and arm injuries.

A witness snapped a photo of the van used by the robber.

A 76-year-old woman had her purse snatched on Aug. 23 outside the library.