Crime-fighting shrubbery: Tenn. purse snatcher tripped up by bushes, cops say

(CBS/AP) JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - It was not a "police plant," but some shrubbery still managed to slow down a purse snatcher in Johnson City, Tenn. who got arrested.

A city police report stated officers arrested 18-year-old Cody Scott Smith after he grabbed a woman's purse from her shopping cart at Rugged Wearhouse. The report, cited by The Johnson City Press, states the victim gave chase and that Smith got tangled up in some shrubs outside the store as he tried to run away

The report said Smith handed the wallet back to the owner and apologized for taking it.

Police charged Smith on Sunday with theft, drug paraphernalia possession and identity theft. Officers also arrested 19-year-old Brett L. Dixon of Bristol in the case.

Both suspects were still being held on Wednesday.