Victim Chases Purse-Snatching Suspect In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A woman whose purse ripped from her shoulder chased the bandit until a police officer arrived and took the suspect into custody Sunday afternoon.

According to police, the woman exited Walgreens on South Quaker Lane at 5:03 p.m. and was walking to her car when a man ran up to her from behind, pushed her and stole her purse. The victim chased the suspect through the lot and yards on Burgoyne Street, where an officer arrived. The officer then chased and apprehended the suspect near Schoolhouse Drive.

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Nathanial DeJesus, 18, of Hartford, was charged with third-degree robbery, interfering with an officer and third-degree criminal mischief. He was released on a $15,000 non-surety bond, and is scheduled to appear in court June 3.

The victim sustained a knee injury during the incident. All of her belongings were recovered, Capt. Michael Perruccio said.