Purse-Snatching Reported At Southbury Library Parking Lot: Police

SOUTHBURY, CT — Police said they are actively investigating a purse-snatching involving an 80-year-old woman in the parking lot of the Southbury Library.

At 3:17 p.m. Wednesday, Southbury Police responded to 100 Poverty Road for a reported purse-snatching incident that occurred in the library parking lot involving an 80-year-old woman, police said.

"Further Investigation led to the discovery that this was a robbery and the purse was forcibly removed from the female, after a brief struggle ensued while getting into her vehicle," police said in a news release. "The suspect vehicle was described to be a black Cadillac XT5 bearing Rhode Island registration 1BR577 which was confirmed to be a stolen vehicle out of Stonington, CT."

Police said the "suspect vehicle took off at a high rate of speed prior to police arrival."

One of the suspects, who jumped out of the passenger side of the Cadillac, was described as a 5'8” white man wearing a black shirt, black shorts and a blue surgical style face mask, police said.

"If you see the suspect vehicle, you are asked to please call the police and DO NOT APPROACH," police said in a statement. "All calls will remain confidential. The Southbury Police Department also reminds you to please be observant of your surroundings at all times while exiting and entering your vehicles, and to please stay vigilant."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer El-Ayoub at 203-264-5912.