Dine-and-dash thief busted for purse snatching spree at d. C. Restaurants — Photo 21558304 | Police © Julie Feinstein | Dreamstime.com

Washington, D.C. — A 49-year-old man accused of snatching purses from unsuspecting diners at Northwest D.C. restaurants was arrested over the weekend following a joint investigation by local police and the United States Secret Service.

The suspect, identified as Mario Bustamante Leiva, was taken into custody on Saturday, April 26, and charged with two counts of robbery (stealth) in connection to incidents where purses were stolen directly from the backs of restaurant chairs while victims ate nearby.

The robberies occurred on Saturday, April 12, at approximately 8:30 p.m. in the 800 block of F Street NW, and again on Thursday, April 17, at approximately 9:20 p.m. in the 900 block of 9th Street NW.

Key points:

Mario Bustamante Leiva, 49, arrested and charged with two counts of robbery (stealth)
Suspect accused of stealing purses from diners at Northwest D.C. restaurants
Arrest made by MPD and Secret Service following review of surveillance footage

Surveillance footage leads investigators to suspect in purse thefts

Detectives obtained video evidence from both crime scenes, which helped identify Leiva as a suspect. In each case, the suspect allegedly approached diners from behind, grabbed their purses from their chairs, and fled the scene before victims could respond.

Leiva is also facing additional charges related to a separate offense under investigation by the United States Secret Service, though officials have not disclosed details about that case.

Police confirmed the investigation into these robberies remains ongoing as they look into whether other incidents may be connected.

Reward offered as investigation continues

The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of anyone involved in these or related crimes.

Anyone with knowledge of the incidents is asked to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or submit tips anonymously by texting 50411 to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE.

Shore News Network Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.