Purse-Snatching, Attempted Armed Robbery Investigated: Hamden PD

HAMDEN, CT — Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery and a purse-snatching that happened in the Stop & Shop parking lot over the past couple of days in Hamden.

Police responded to the parking lot at 2335 Dixwell Avenue around 10:30 p.m. on Monday on the report of an attempted armed robbery.

The victim told police he was in his parked vehicle when a suspect opened the unlocked door and showed a gun, according to Detective Sean J. Dolan. The suspect demanded the victim’s belongings and the victim yelled for help, Dolan said.

The suspect was reportedly wearing black clothing, a black mask and left in a black SUV, according to Dolan.

Dolan said no injuries were reported and nothing was taken from the victim.

Police responded to the same parking lot around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday on the report of a purse-snatching, according to Dolan.

Dolan said the victim was loading groceries into her parked car when a suspect quickly approached and grabbed her purse from the shopping carriage. The victim wasn’t injured and the suspect left in a black SUV, according to Dolan.

The preliminary investigation found that the vehicle involved in both incidents is possibly stolen, according to Dolan.

Dolan said Hamden police are working in conjunction with area police departments on both investigations.

“Hamden Police will continue to maintain an increased presence in the shopping areas along Dixwell Avenue,” Dolan said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hamden Police at 203-230-4000.