A known purse snatcher caught in the act was subsequently identified by four additional women as having snatched their purses at different times. All stated that the thief knocked them down when he stole their purses. The thief admitted to all five robberies. Which offense best fits this scenario?

• A. five Strong-arm Robbery offenses
• B. Robbery—Firearm (3a)
• C. MV Theft
• D. Criminal Homicide time and place between (1a) and Forcible Rape(2a)

Answer: (A)

Using physical force to take property without a weapon fits strong-arm robbery. Here, the thief knocked down each victim and stole her purse in five separate incidents, and he admitted to all five. Each distinct theft accomplished by force is a separate robbery offense, so five counts of strong-arm robbery best describe the scenario. The other options don’t fit because there was no firearm used, no vehicle theft, and no homicide or rape involved.