Metro Birmingham, Ala. - *To see the video from both cases, click on the "click here to watch" link next to this article.*

Crime Stoppers detectives are turning to the public for fresh clues as they work to identify, and locate, suspects in two new cases.  One involved what seemed to be a simple purse theft, but it turned into something more.  The other case was more dangerous, with a suspect waving a pistol inside a restaurant in Forestdale.  Details are below.

Subway Suspect, Classic Car:  It happened last Monday, June 22.  A man with a pistol went into Subway in Forestdale.  Surveillance video shows the man as he waited for a deputy inside to order his lunch and leave.  And as soon as the law was gone, the suspect pulled a pistol and robbed the store.

"He's thought this out or done it before," Jefferson County Lieutenant Bill Musgrove said.  "Yeah, he will shoot you. Just from watching his mannerisms, he's not afraid to shoot you if you don't open up the register.  So we need to find out who he is."

You might recognize the suspect from the classic car he drove.  It is a 1970's model Cadillac coupe, beige in color, with an orange or red vinyl roof.  Detectives believe the suspect may have borrowed the car from a relative sometime before the robbery.

"Somebody knows the car," Musgrove said.  "They see the striped shirt.  They know about the average height and weight of the guy.  You're going to put it together."

If you think you recognize the suspect, Crime Stoppers will take your call and will never take your name.  Plus, a cash reward is offered for the first tip that leads to an arrest.

Vestavia Hills Theft:  This case began on the night of June 18 when cameras recorded two men and one woman inside the Everyday Food Mart on Columbiana Road.  The three were all together when one of the suspects apparently committed a crime of opportunity.

Video shows the man getting out of the friends' car and stealing a purse out of another car.  But this is more than a simple purse theft.  Police later recovered the purse and then found other stolen items from at least one other theft.

"They could be local to that area or just out patrolling around or driving around seeing who their next victim will be," Crime Stoppers Detective James Lewis said.  "What they're doing is they're taking from innocent victims right now."

If you can help in either case, you are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at (205) 254-7777.  Also, encrypted tips can be sent online by going to www.birminghamcrimestoppers.org and clicking on the "submit an online tip" link.

If you provide information to Crime Stoppers, you will not be asked for your name.  Instead, detectives will assign you a private code number.  If an arrest is made based on your tip, you can then use the code number to claim a cash reward.

Crime Stoppers is a partnership between local law enforcement, the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and ABC 33/40.  Together, our goal is to make our community a safer place to live and work.

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