Woman Knocked Over In Southington During Monday Purse Snatching: Police

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Local police are seeking the public's help in catching the suspects involved in a frightening, broad daylight purse-snatching Monday morning in the Walmart parking lot in Southington.

According to the Southington Police Department Monday afternoon, officers responded to the parking lot of Walmart, 235 Queen St., at about 10 a.m. Monday.

Police said a 71-year-old woman was reportedly knocked to the ground and purse stolen.

The victim reported while walking in the parking lot, towards Walmart, she was approached by a stolen white Nissan Altima, Rhode Island registration #1EC523, police said.

According to police, the victim reported one Black male exited the passenger side of the vehicle and forcefully ripped the purse from the victim, knocking her to the ground, before returning to the Altima.

The victim was able to get up and approach the vehicle, almost being knocked to the ground a second time, according to authorities

The driver was described to be a Black male, police said.

Police officials said Southington officers in the area found the vehicle traveling north on Queen Street and observed the vehicle turn onto Interstate 84 westbound.

Officers followed the vehicle onto I-84, attempted to stop the vehicle, but terminated the pursuit after the vehicle accelerated, showing no intention of stopping, police said.

The victim reported minor injuries from the incident and refused transport to a hospital, according to the SPD

Photographs obtained from Wal-Mart show the suspect vehicle following the incident.

Police said the purse has been recovered as of 11:15 a.m., as it was found in New Haven, but the investigation continues.

Anyone seeing this vehicle is asked to call the Southington Police Department at 860-621-0101 or 911.