Purse-Snatching At Walmart Parking Lot Leads To Teen's Arrest: Branford Police

BRANFORD, CT — A teenager was charged in connection with a purse-snatching incident at the local Walmart, police said.

On Tuesday, police responded to a reported purse snatching outside of Walmart. "The victim was approached by a 17-year-old juvenile suspect from New Haven, who forcefully bumped her away from her shopping cart and stole her purse, which had been left inside the cart," police said. "The suspect then fled the scene in a stolen vehicle that had been waiting nearby."

"The stolen vehicle, which has not yet been recovered, is believed to be involved in multiple similar crimes in neighboring towns, as well as two other incidents in Branford," police added in a statement.

Detectives are continuing their investigation into these cases and are working to locate additional suspects connected to this "crime spree," police said.

The 17-year-old juvenile has been taken into custody and charged with the following:

• Robbery, 3rd Degree
• Larceny, 5th Degree

This investigation is ongoing, and police ask that anyone with information about this crime or the stolen vehicle to contact the department at (203) 481-4241. All tips will remain confidential.

Police also said, "The Branford Police Department would like to remind all residents and visitors to keep their purses, wallets, and personal items secure while shopping. Never leave your belongings unattended in shopping carts or visible in your vehicle, and be aware of your surroundings to prevent becoming a target of theft."