<b>Suspect arrested in purse snatching
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A Lady’s Island man has been arrested in connection with a purse snatching that occurred outside a church on the morning of Sunday, June 16.

Nineteen-year old Quinton Timothy Blake was arrested after stealing the purse of a parishioner in the parking lot of Seaside Vineyard Church (100 Sea Island Pkwy). The 18-year old female victim advised that she had walked from the church to a nearby gas station to purchase a drink. On her return to the church, she was approached by a black male who demanded her purse.

The suspect forcefully ripped the purse from the victim’s shoulder and fled the area on foot. A fellow churchgoer gave chase, following the suspect as far as Geechie Road, but was unable to catch up to him. A perimeter was established in the area, with a Sheriff’s Office K9 responding to assist in a search.

The suspect, later to be positively identified as Quinton Blake, was quickly located during the K9 track in a wooded area off Youmans Dr. Blake was found to have the victim’s credit cards in his pockets, and advised he’d thrown the victim’s purse in the woods.

The victim was uninjured as a result of the incident, and all her belongings were recovered and returned to her custody. Blake was charged with one count of Purse Snatching and was transported to the detention center where he remains awaiting a bond hearing.

Citizens can call CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-888-crime-sc (274-6372) or text the word tipsc with a message to crimes (274637).

<b>Wardle Family gives to </b><b>Beaufort County YMCA</b>

The YMCA of Beaufort County, also known as the Wardle Family YMCA, recently received a generous donation from the Wardle Family Foundation in the amount of $25,000. Designated toward the Y’s summer educational program initiatives, $10,000 will be used at the Jasper County sites and $15,000 will be used in Beaufort County.

The Wardle family are founding members of the Beaufort County YMCA and continue to play an integral role in its growth and success.

During the summer months, the Beaufort County YMCA serves over 200 children ages 3-15 years old. For more information, please contact the YMCA at 843-522-9622 or visit www.ymcabeaufortcounty.com.