PLATTE CITY, Mo. - Gary Hill didn't see the Riverside police officer, but the officer saw Hill.
That mistake means Hill will spend the next 10 years in prison.
The Riverside officer saw Hill standing outside the Corner Cafe on March 17. Prosecutors say Hill acted nervous when the officer looked in his direction.
The officer drove out of the parking lot, but quickly returned after spotting a woman walking into the restaurant with the aid of a cane.
Hill wrenched a purse from the woman and ran.
The officer chased Hill, arrested him and found the woman's purse.
"People deserved to feel safe as they are coming and going from restaurants, shops and other public places,'' Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd said. "Our goal is to send a message to purse snatchers and other criminals who come to Platte County intending to do harm: If you victimize our citizens, you will be caught and you will go to prison long, long time.''
