Car Club Members Detain Suspected Purse Thief

A 25-year-old Escondido man was arrested Thursday night after a woman’s purse was stolen as she sat in her vehicle parked at the on El Camino Real, according to the sheriff’s department.

Just before 9 p.m., a 52-year-old woman was in her vehicle with the door open when a robber ripped away her purse, which was around her shoulder. Eight people attending a car club meeting nearby heard her screams for help and chased down the suspect and detained him until deputies arrived, said Sgt. Anthony O’Boyle. The victim was not injured.

Fletcher Calen was booked on suspicion of robbery and possession of stolen property. The victim’s purse was found in Calen’s possession, as well as stolen property from an unrelated crime, O’Boyle said.

Calen was booked into Vista Detention Facility, and bail was set at $100,000.