Press Release from East Haven Police Department

On Oct. 9, at approximately 7:36 p.m., the East Haven Public Safety Dispatch Center received a 911 from a female caller stating that she had just been involved in an attempted purse snatching at the ShopRite on 745 Foxon Road.

Upon officers’ arrival, it was determined that a red or maroon Kia Sportage bearing Connecticut marker plates (which were unable to be identified due to poor video quality) began circling the lot. The Kia is seen pulling up to the complainant as she walked with her carriage through the parking lot. The Kia pulled tightly alongside the complainant and stopped while she began to cross the lot.

The complainant stated a that a Black male wearing a light blue hoodie stuck his arm out of the rear passenger side window and grabbed her purse in the shopping cart, at which time the female driver attempted to speed off. However, due to the complainant securing her purse strap to the shopping cart with the child seat belt, the male suspect was unable to remove it and briefly dragged the shopping cart through the parking lot. The Kia then fled westbound on Route 80.

The East Haven Police Department (EHPD) noted that the complainants simple yet effective proactive measure in securing her pocketbook made all the difference in this incident.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspects or the vehicle is asked to contact the EHPD at 203-468-3820.