Suspect Arrested in Attempted Walmart Mugging

TYLER — Citing “numerous tips,” Tyler police have arrested the suspect in a mugging attempt Tuesday evening in the Walmart parking lot on Highway 64 West in Tyler. He’s identified as Gerald Lee McMorris, 52, of Tyler. Investigators secured an arrest warrant for McMorris for robbery, 2nd degree felony, bond $750,000. McMorris surrendered to Tyler Police around 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the police station.

The incident happened at 8:30 p.m., when Tyler Police were told that a 60-year-old woman was walking to her car at Walmart in the 3800 of Highway 64 West. The woman said she placed her groceries into her vehicle and walked to take the cart to the return location. According to police, as the woman was walking back to her vehicle, she was approached by a suspect who grabbed her purse. The woman told officers she refused to let go of her purse and the suspect threw her to the ground, while still attempting to take her purse. A nearby customer heard the victim screaming and ran to help. The suspect then fled the scene on foot. The victim received minor injuries and refused medical treatment.