Teens Face Robbery Charges In Linden Purse Snatching

LINDEN, NJ — Two 16-year-olds from Newark have been arrested and charged for their suspected role in a series of purse-snatchings that took place last summer, Linden Police said Wednesday.

After a four-month investigation, the two teenagers were taken to Essex County Detention Center and charged with three counts of second-degree robbery.

A 31-year-old woman reported to the Linden Police on Aug. 19 that she was approached from behind by the two teens who attempted to steal her purse off her shoulder shortly before 9:30 a.m. that day. The woman screamed as she struggled with the teens, who then ran away as several drivers stopped to help.

Minutes later, a second purse theft was reported on the 400 block of Maple Ave. in Linden. The victim, a 69-year-old woman, was knocked to the ground from behind, and the teens snatched her purse from her shoulder.

Then, about 25 minutes later, a third purse theft was reported at the intersection of Maple & Zeigler Ave. A 23-year-old woman reported that the subjects approached her from behind and stole her purse.

The teenagers were identified during the course of "an exhausting four-month investigation" by the Linden Police Detective Bureau.

“Violent crime like this will never be tolerated in our community, and as this case demonstrates, we will continue to pursue these offenders as far as the evidence allows,” said Police Chief David Hart. “Reducing violent crime is our top priority, and I am very proud of the hard work and dedication that ultimately led to these charges.”

The juveniles remain in custody at the Essex County Detention Center on unrelated charges.