VIDALIA — The man who allegedly pistol-whipped a woman while stealing the purse from the passenger of her car at the Handy-Pak in Ridgecrest is behind bars.

Christopher D. Williams, 112 Weaver St., was arrested on charges of armed robbery Thursday afternoon.

The victims had locked the store up for the night and were already in their vehicle Tuesday when Williams allegedly approached them demanding money. He was reportedly wearing a ski mask.

During the incident, he allegedly hit the woman with what was apparently a pistol, causing bruising to her face and neck and a cut above her left eye, according to a news release from the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Friday.

The suspect allegedly took the purse belonging to the passenger of the car. The purse reportedly contained cash and jewelry.

A third woman was in a separate car in the parking lot, but was not harmed.

Concordia Parish Sheriff Randy Maxwell thanked all of those involved in the investigation.

“This was an intense effort by all involved,” Maxwell said. “I’m grateful to Investigator Jack Fletcher, Lt. Ernie Banks, Juvenile Officer Brenda Harris and deputies responding to the scene John Mott, Jerry Barr and Kenneth Tucker.”

The sheriff also said area business owners could contact the sheriff’s office to provide an escort for employees who lock up for the night.

“If the businesses will give us a few minutes to get there, we’ll be happy to make sure their employees get to their vehicles safely,” Maxwell said.