By Trend News Line 2024-07-01 10:30:05.
Victim of Purse Snatching Chases Down Suspect
In a daring turn of events at Tanger Outlets, a victim of a purse snatching refused to be a passive bystander. The incident occurred on a bustling Saturday afternoon, as the victim, a 44-year-old woman, was resting in a vehicle while her friends shopped. Suddenly, an unknown man wearing a ski mask reached into the open rear window of the parked vehicle and attempted to snatch her purse.
Brave Actions of Good Samaritans
The man held the woman down during the struggle, causing her minor injuries. However, the victim did not back down. She immediately sprang into action, chasing the suspect as he fled on foot towards a wooded area between Tanger 2 and Tanger 3. Two courageous Good Samaritans joined the pursuit, while other witnesses quickly called 911 to report the crime and the suspect’s whereabouts.
Swift Police Response
Responding patrol officers wasted no time in locating and detaining the suspect, identified as Shawn Collins, 35. Collins, who is undomiciled but known to frequent the Riverhead area, was found in possession of the victim’s purse and debit card, as well as a black ski mask. In a surprising twist, Suffolk County probation officers revealed that Collins had removed a GPS ankle bracelet he was ordered to wear as a condition of release in a prior case, discarding it in the wooded area between Tanger 2 and Tanger 3.
Investigation and Arrest
Riverhead Police detectives and a K-9 unit were called in to investigate the scene. The K-9 unit played a crucial role in locating evidence related to the robbery, as well as the discarded GPS ankle bracelet. Collins was subsequently arrested and charged with Robbery in the Third Degree under NYS Penal Law §160.05, a Class D Felony. He was held for arraignment as the investigation continued.
Appeal for Information
The Riverhead Police Department urges anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information related to the case to come forward. The Detective Division can be reached at (631) 727-4500, and all calls will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Remember, a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. As the investigation unfolds, the community’s support and cooperation play a vital role in ensuring justice is served.
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– Purse-snatcher arrested on robbery charge
– Good Samaritans corner him in outlet mall parking lot.