West Haven Teen, 13, Commits Purse-Snatching Outside Of Grocery Store: East Haven Police

EAST HAVEN, CT — A 13-year-old West Haven teen is accused of committing a purse-snatching outside a grocery store on Saturday, East Haven police said.

The incident occurred at 2:17 p.m. Saturday outside ShopRite at 745 Foxon Road.

Officers responded to the shopping plaza after receiving reports that a female had been assaulted during the theft of her purse, police said.

The victim sustained minor injuries after being knocked to the ground and dragged during the incident, police said. She was treated at the scene by East Haven Fire Department personnel.

Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect and the getaway vehicle, which was quickly identified as a Kia Sportage that had been reported stolen earlier that day in North Haven, police said.

Working in partnership with the New Haven Police Department and the West Haven Police Department, officers were able to locate the stolen vehicle, which was abandoned on Elm Street in West Haven, police said.

With the assistance of the West Haven Police Department, a K9 track was conducted, which led officers to the front door of the suspect’s residence, police said.

As a result of the investigation, a 13-year-old West Haven juvenile was taken into custody and charged with third-degree robbery, third-degree assault, larceny of a motor vehicle, and third-degree larceny.

The juvenile was transported to the Bridgeport Juvenile Detention Center, where he is being held pending his next court appearance.

This investigation remains active as detectives continue efforts to determine whether the juvenile or others may be connected to additional incidents, police said.

"The East Haven Police Department would like to thank the New Haven Police Department and the West Haven Police Department for their immediate assistance, which led to the quick identification and apprehension of the suspect," police said in a statement.