17-year-old arrested for crime-related theft of purse from stolen car

BRANFORD, CT (WFSB) – A 17-year-old was arrested Tuesday in connection with a purse theft at a Walmart.

Officers responded to reports of the theft that occurred outside the store.

According to police, the suspect, a juvenile from New Haven, walked up to the victim, violently pushed her away from her shopping cart and snatched her purse that had been left in the shopping cart.

The suspect then fled the scene in a stolen vehicle.

The stolen car has not yet been recovered and is believed to be linked to several similar crimes in nearby cities, as well as two other incidents in Branford.

Detectives are actively investigating these cases and are working to identify additional suspects involved in this crime spree.

The juvenile is charged with third-degree robbery and fifth-degree theft.

The investigation is ongoing and Branford police ask anyone with information to call 203-481-4241.

Police remind the public to keep their purses, wallets and personal items safe when shopping.

They advise against leaving items unattended in shopping carts or visible in vehicles and encourage everyone to remain alert to their surroundings.

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