Knoxville Police Department Violent Crimes Unit investigators have obtained warrants charging Michael Bledsoe, 32 of Knoxville, Tennessee, with robbing a 92-year-old woman outside of her home on Sunday afternoon.

At around 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, KPD officers responded to a robbery at a home near Tazewell Pike. The victim, a 92-year-old woman, reported that she was robbed after arriving home from Sam’s Club on Knoxville Center Drive. As she began unlocking her door, she was approached by an unknown man who snatched her purse and ran from the scene. The purse contained cash, various personal items, and numerous credit cards, which were later used at area businesses.

An extensive investigation conducted by responding officers revealed that the suspect, who was driving a Ford truck, had followed the victim home from Sam’s Club prior to robbing her.

Through continued investigation, Violent Crimes Unit investigators identified Michael Bledsoe as the suspect. Warrants have been issued charging Bledsoe with robbery, identity theft, felony theft, evading arrest, and sale and delivery of schedule VI narcotics. In addition, Bledsoe has outstanding warrants out of Knox County for aggravated burglary and theft from a previous, unrelated incident.

Anyone with information concerning Bledsoe’s whereabouts is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers by phone at 865-215-7165, online at www.easttnvalleycrimestoppers.org, by texting **TIPS, or through the P3 Tips mobile app. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a cash reward.

UPDATE: Michael Bledsoe, wanted for robbing a 92-year-old woman on Sunday, was arrested early this morning. At around 1:50 a.m., officers responded to the Casey’s on Chapman Highway after receiving a tip that Bledsoe was there. Bledsoe ran from officers but was later found hiding in the woods nearby and ultimately taken into custody. He was found in possession of suspected heroin. In addition to his outstanding warrants, Bledsoe was charged with evading arrest, resisting arrest, and drug possession.