Tuesday, May 20, 2008 --- 12:30 p.m.

Two robberies happened Monday night less than two hours apart:

The first happened in a parking lot in front of Macy's Department Store in Hilldale Mall just after 9 p.m. The 60-year-old victim reported a purse snatching. According to the victim, she was getting into her car when she was pushed from behind, causing her to hit the steering wheel. During this time, the thief grabbed her purse and jumped into a tan colored vehicle, possibly a Toyota Corolla. She said the car sped off in the direction of M&I Bank.

The perpetrator is described as a black male, 5'8'' and wearing a brown winter stocking cap.

In a second incident, two men robbed Michael's Frozen Custard on Atwood Ave. just after 10:30 p.m.

Madison Police were called to Michael's following an armed robbery. The perpetrators, one of whom was armed with a handgun, threatened to shoot two employees who were in the process of closing up the store. One employee was punched in the face during the robbery.

One perpetrator is described as a black male, 20-22 years old, 5'10'', 170 lbs with a slender build, and wearing dark pants and a navy blue or black hooded sweatshirt.

The second perpetrator is described as a black male, 18-19 years old, slender build, wearing dark pants and a navy blue or black hoodie.

Police believe the criminals fled the area on foot.