Two Arrested in Connection with Strong-Arm Robbery in Gulfport

Gulfport, MS (BuzzReport) – The Gulfport Police Department has arrested two individuals in connection with a strong-arm robbery that occurred on July 11, 2025.

According to police, 29-year-old Justin Donniell Easterling and 26-year-old Brittany Nichole Higgins, both of Gulfport, have been charged with one count of strong-arm robbery each.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:07 p.m. on July 11 in the 3300 block of 19th Street. Officers responded to a report of a possible domestic assault and, during the investigation, determined that Easterling had forcibly taken a purse from the victim. A handgun was found in the purse, which Easterling removed before fleeing the scene.

Easterling was apprehended shortly after, and during questioning, he admitted to the robbery and implicated Higgins as an accomplice. Higgins was arrested on July 12 and also admitted to being involved in the crime, stating that their intention was to sell or trade the firearm for narcotics.

Both Easterling and Higgins are being held at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center on a $100,000 bond each. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Gulfport Police Department or Mississippi Crime Stoppers.