COTTLEVILLE, Mo. — A man from California allegedly involved in a nationwide crime ring was arrested this week for reportedly robbing a woman at a wedding venue in Cottleville, Missouri.

According to the Cottleville Police Department, the robbery occurred on August 25, 2024, at the Piazza Messina when the man allegedly stole a woman’s purse.

Police said the victim had left her purse on the back of her chair while sitting outside under a covered patio and walked away from the table with her friends. When she returned, her purse was missing.

Shortly after, the victim received a text notification that her credit card had been used at Target off Mid Rivers Mall Drive for a purchase over $1,000.

Detectives with Cottleville PD identified the suspect, who had been wanted across the country for similar crimes. Police said the man resided in California and had been using a fake Puerto Rico drivers license to rent vehicles.

The suspect had allegedly been renting vehicles from the same rental car company during crime sprees. The Los Angeles Police Department assisted Cottleville detectives by utilizing surveillance video at the rental car company and waiting for the suspect to arrive.

When he arrived, police took him into custody without incident.

Despite having a fake drivers license, Cottleville detectives used facial recognition to reveal the man’s true identity. Police said the suspect had an extensive criminal history and is allegedly part of a nationwide crime ring.

The Department of Homeland Security is now in control of the case as the suspect has crossed multiple state lines.

The man is currently in custody and is awaiting indictment. The man’s identity has not been released as he has not been formally charged.