Butler's reputation has suffered as a result of the city's growing illegal-drug problem.

Over the past couple of weekends, a different sort of crime has emerged that, like the drug problem, doesn't enhance the city's appeal. In fact, it is the kind of crime that has the prospect of making women wary about coming to the city, or being fearful when they do come here — even with a suspect in custody.

The problem is purse-snatchings that began Sept. 19, continued last weekend, and extended into Tuesday evening, after which a city man was arrested.

As of Wednesday, Robert Lee Henderson, 40, of North Main Street had been charged only with the latest incident, which occurred at about 8:05 p.m. Tuesday in the parking lot of the YMCA between North Jackson and North Washington streets.

However, city police disclosed Wednesday that Henderson, who was jailed after failing to post $50,000 bond following his arrest, was a suspect in the other three purse-snatchings this month, as well as similar incidents on March 11 and 13.

Police didn't disclose what evidence led them to believe that Henderson might have been involved in the other crimes. According to city Police Chief Tim Fennell, Henderson "admitted to (Tuesday's) purse-snatching," claiming that he "just needed the money."

Fennell said Wednesday that Henderson "matches the description in the other robberies."

As the purse-snatchings continued, people here pondered why the purse-snatchings were becoming more frequent. And, increasingly, the incidents were becoming a topic of general conversation, with some people expressing concern that the crimes might even be the work of more than one individual.

Regardless of whether Henderson was acting alone, the incidents understandably have caused some women to feel less safe while on city sidewalks — during the daytime hours or after nightfall.

The first of the three incidents prior to Tuesday evening's occurred at 1:40 a.m.; the second, at 11:30 a.m.; and the third, at 9 p.m. Of further concern was the fact that the crimes weren't centered in one particular neighborhood.

No weapons were reported involved in any of the incidents and, fortunately, the victims were not injured, although such victims have reason to fear ramifications from a purse snatcher getting his hands on personal identification information.

One of the fears that prevailed as the purse-snatchings continued was that the thief might eventually target a victim who might experience a serious — even fatal — medical emergency as a result of the incident.

Also amid the crimes existed a nagging question: Why would someone feel so confident about not getting caught that he would commit several crimes over such a short span of time?

People, especially women who live and/or work in the city, are no doubt feeling some sense of relief now that an arrest has been made, and police deserve praise for their work in singling out Henderson as a suspect prior to Tuesday's incident.

Still, with the city trying to address various problems, additional crime reports like these don't send a helpful message.