Montclair Cop, Employee Chase Down Purse Snatcher: Police

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A Montclair police officer and an employee at a local business chased down an alleged purse snatcher on Monday, authorities said.

According to the Montclair Police Department, the victim was having lunch on Church Street and left her purse hanging off her chair. A stranger approached, grabbed the purse and took off running west towards South Park Street.

An employee who witnessed the theft started chasing the thief. A police officer who was nearby saw what was happening and also picked up the chase, authorities said.

Police apprehended the man – a 57-year-old Jersey City resident – in the alleyway next to Leone’s restaurant. He had the victim’s cash and checkbook in his possession, authorities said.

Montclair police said the man – who was not identified in an initial statement – was charged with theft. In addition, he was wanted on an active warrant by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Department.

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