Witnesses Chase Down Purse Snatcher
A 33-year-old Hamilton man is scheduled to appear in court today after he stole a woman’s purse during a bingo game. Witnesses intervened, caught the male and held him until police arrived.
On Monday, July 15, 2019, shortly before 9:00 p.m., Hamilton Police received information witnesses were holding a male after he stole a woman’s purse while she was playing bingo. Police located the witnesses and male in the area of East 13th Street North of Fennel Avenue. They had chased the male from Princess Bingo located at 300 Fennell Avenue East.
Through investigation, police learned the victim; a 73-year-old female from Hamilton was playing bingo when she placed her purse beside her on her walker. A short time later she was alerted by a woman who screamed after seeing the theft of the purse. The victim looked over at her walker and noted her purse was gone. Several witnesses observed the theft and chased the male as he fled the scene. Once outside the building, the suspect discarded the purse. The witnesses caught up to the suspect as he attempted to jump over a fence and held him until police arrived.
The male, 33-years-of age was arrested for theft under $5000 and possession of stolen property under $5000. Police also learned there was a warrant for his arrest for failing to attend court for the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle in 2018. The male was taken into custody and held for a bail hearing. He is scheduled to appear in court later today to answer to the charges.
The purse and its contents were returned to the victim.
Hamilton Police would like to thank the witnesses for their assistance as their involvement directly resulted in the arrest of the suspect and the return of the purse.
If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact Divisions Three Staff Sergeant’s Office by calling 905-546-3886.
To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com
CHARGED
- Hamilton man, 33-years-of-age
CHARGES
- Theft under $5000
- Possession of stolen property under $5000