Long Island Utility Worker Helps Nab Purse-Snatcher

The 38-year-old worker saw the robber taking the purse from an elderly woman, and ran after him

A utility worker on Long Island is being credited by police with helping catch a purse-snatcher who targeted an elderly woman in New Hyde Park Tuesday morning.

Nassau County detectives said the 29-year-old robber stole the purse from an 80-year-old woman in the area of Jericho Turnpike and Ingram Lane at about 9 a.m. The victim's husband, 82, tried to stop the robber, and fell to the ground in the process.

As the suspect took off, a 38-year-old utility worker who was working nearby saw the incident and ran after the robber, holding him until police arrived.

Responding Nassau County police took the robber into custody without incident. He was charged with two counts of second-degree robbery, and is expected to be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead Wednesday. 

The 82-year-old husband was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated for cuts and contusions to his head and face and injuries to his left knee and hand.

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