SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- Springfield police are on the lookout for a suspect in two recent purse-snatchings.

Both incidents happened at the Kroger at 2728 East Main Street, and in both cases the thief targeted elderly women.

The suspect in question has been identified as 23-year-old Michael Nichols, according to police.

On Monday, June 29, the suspect approached the elderly woman and asked for help finding his vehicle.  He helped her with her groceries before grabbing her purse and fleeing, according to the police report.

Police say a similar theft took place three days prior at the same place.

Nichols is described as a white male in his early 20s, around 6'3" with brown hair.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Springfield police at 324-7680.