Arrest made within the theft of Kristi Noem’s purse and hundreds in money, supply says

[ad_1] An arrest has been made within the investigation of the theft of a high-end Gucci bag belonging to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, a legislation enforcement supply conversant in the investigation tells CNN.

One individual is in custody and a number of further arrests are anticipated in a theft ring lately concentrating on Washington, DC’s, Penn Quarter space, the supply mentioned.

Authorities haven't but launched particular particulars in regards to the man’s id, however the arrest got here after the US Secret Service launched an investigation to search out the perpetrator who stole her bag as she ate dinner along with her household on Easter Sunday.

“For the security of our brokers and officers, we aren't ready to verify or remark right now. Ought to prison costs be filed, the Division of Homeland Safety will present public data in accordance with established procedures,” mentioned Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi.

As CNN beforehand reported, surveillance footage of the incident at The Capital Burger restaurant in Washington, DC, confirmed the suspect purposefully transferring near Noem as he zeroed in on her Gucci bag close to her toes, a second legislation enforcement supply mentioned.

The thief, wearing darkish clothes, sat down at an empty desk subsequent to Noem together with his again going through her and used his left foot to slip the bag away, the supply mentioned. He surveyed the restaurant earlier than finally selecting up the bag, masking it together with his jacket and leaving.

Solely when Noem bought up from the desk did she notice her bag was lacking, the supply mentioned.

Objects contained in the bag included a Louis Vuitton Clemence pockets, Noem’s driver’s license, treatment, condominium keys, passport, DHS entry badge, make-up bag, clean checks, and about $3,000 in money, a number of sources mentioned.

CNN reached out to The Capital Burger’s mum or dad firm, Darden Eating places, which didn't reply to a request for remark.

It stays unclear whether or not the thief knew Noem’s id or whether or not she was a random goal.

The Secret Service was contained in the restaurant with Noem, who was eating at a desk along with her household, in response to a supply acquainted. The supply didn’t specify what number of brokers accompanied Noem or the place they have been contained in the restaurant.

Commenting on the massive sum of money Noem was carrying instantly following the incident, a DHS spokesperson mentioned: “Her whole household was on the town together with her kids and grandchildren – she was utilizing the withdrawal to deal with her household to dinner, actions, and Easter items.”

Legislation enforcement consultants have raised considerations about whether or not the incident, which concerned a thief getting so near a Cupboard official after which absconding along with her belongings, might have been a lapse in safety.