SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- Police said a man is targeting elderly women, following them through public places, and stealing their purses.

Sgt. Christopher Clark with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office said, “He’s a predator and looks for easy targets, possibly to support a drug habit.”

He said the man, “looks for someone not to put up a fight or chase after him.”

Police said the man was caught on surveillance video at the Kroger store on East Main Street in Springfield. They said the man was following a woman who was wearing orange pants.

Clark said the man approached the woman said that he can’t find his car and that he has lost his keys, wondering if she would help him.

Investigators said as the woman went to put her groceries in her car he allegedly grabbed her purse and ran.

Michael Nichols, 23, is the person that deputies are looking for. Investigators said the believe the Nichols is responsible for two purse snatchings on June 29 and one three days earlier, both at the Kroger store.

Clark said it is important for women to hold their purse close to them and to carry only what they need. He said it is also important to stay alert of the people around you.

If you have any information about this case, contact your local law enforcement.