Raccoon steals woman's purse as she watches turtle release

FORT MYERS, Fla. — A sea turtle was set free after being nursed back to health in Fort Myers.

However, while spectators watched it swim away, they missed the thief who was right behind them.

Volunteers and beach-goers were happy to see "Tampa-Red" released into the Gulf Monday.

But a raccoon spoiled the turtle's moment when it stole Danielle Araica's pink clutch purse.

"He stole my wallet and went into the bushes," said Araica."He dropped it, and then I had that little boy go in there and fetch it for me."

Araica said she still had fun at the beach and even gained a new respect for wildlife.

WFTV