MERIDEN, Conn. — A purse snatching in Meriden on Monday led to the arrests of one adult and three teenagers, police said Tuesday.
Officers were called to a report of a "purse snatching" theft at the CITGO station on Cook Avenue just before 11 a.m. on Monday.
Video from the security cameras showed the victim as she walked towards the front door of the establishment and when a black Chevy Cruze pulled into the lot. The front passenger door could be seen opening and a person stepped out, snuck up behind the victim, and tore her purse from her hand before retreating back into the vehicle.
"It's kind of frightening because, you know, I live right up the street, and, yeah it's just scary," said Gina Posila of Meriden.
Police said the car sped away. Several officers searched the area for the vehicle.
During the investigation, the New Haven Police Department called Meriden police to inform them the car had been stolen in their city and was currently parked at the Meriden Mall. As Meriden police officers were headed to the mall, the department started receiving numerous calls reporting youths trying to break into vehicles in the mall parking lot.
"They had to not only track down the vehicle, find the individuals who then fled once the Meriden PD reached the mall. They had to proceed in a foot pursuit they were able to apprehend all four individuals," said Mayor Kevin Scarpati.
He said, like many towns and cities across the state, Meriden has also seen an uptick in property crimes like these. He said the city is working with the police department to try to curb the crime.
"We want to make sure that we are arresting these individuals responsible, and then holding them accountable, and that is now in the hands of the court system," Scarpati said.
The Meriden Council of Neighborhoods, whose goal is to make neighborhoods safer, also works closely with the city and police department to address the issue, acting as a voice for concerned residents.
"I think it's frustration, because the police department is doing as much as they can to apprehend these individuals but I think more needs to come from the state legislature," said Holly Wills, the council president.
People are encouraged to do their part as well by not making themselves targets.
"If you're by yourself, make sure that when you leave your vehicle, you're locking your doors. At night, don't leave it unlocked. Do the necessary checks," Scarpati said.
All suspects are from New Haven. Three of the four suspects were teenagers ranging from 14-16 years old. The fourth suspect, Harlem Smokes turned 18 on Jan. 29. All suspects were charged with the following:
- Robbery 2nd Degree:
- Conspiracy to Commit Robbery 2nd
- Larceny 3rd Degree
- Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 3rd
- Larceny 5th Degree (2 counts)
- Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 5th
- Illegal use of Credit Card
- Conspiracy to Commit Illegal use of Credit Card
Smokes was held on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 12.
Two of the three teenagers were released to their parents while the third was transferred to juvenile detention in Hartford.
Doug Stewart is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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