Malden Honors Man Stabbed, Bitten While Tackling Purse Thief

MALDEN, MA — Malden city officials recently honored community member Ryan Dos Santos for his actions late last month after police said he witnessed a man attempt to steal a purse from a woman in broad daylight near the intersection of Rockland Avenue and Summer Street.

Dos Santos, who chased the man down, was bitten and stabbed while waiting for police to arrive.

This week, officials hailed him as a hero.

“There is no doubt that Ryan’s swift response to the unfolding emergency resulted in property recovered and the arrest of the perpetrator,” Mayor Gary Christenson said in a statement. “We are truly grateful for his selflessness in coming to the aid of a resident in danger.”

The incident took place back on Aug. 29 just before 1:50 p.m., according to Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin.

That’s when Cronin said a man grabbed the woman’s purse before taking off down Summer Street. Dos Santos, who was working in the area as a delivery driver, gave chase alongside another man, according to Cronin. Dos Santos managed to tackle the man with the purse.

READ: Man Bitten, Stabbed After Chasing Down Malden Purse Thief: Police

Police arrived moments later and took the man into custody. They later identified him as Jayson Seay. Seay appeared in court on Aug. 30, where he was charged with assault with intent to murder and armed robbery, according to multiple reports.

The woman who had her purse taken was identified as Luiza DeSouza. She was in attendance at the city’s recent event to honor Dos Santos, joining Cronin, Christenson, multiple Malden police officers and Dos Santos at City Hall.

“Coming upon the scene in his work vehicle, Ryan didn’t think twice about jumping into action chasing and holding the perpetrator until the police arrived,” the city said in a statement honoring Dos Santos this week. “Although he was stabbed in the leg and bitten during the process, his bravery and quick action resulted in the successful recovery of the resident’s property.”