Police: Woman, 65, Chases Purse Snatcher, Gets Bag Back In Massapequa

MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A 65-year-old woman managed to chase down a purse snatcher and got her bag back over the weekend in Massapequa, police said.

The victim was putting groceries into her car Sunday morning when the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Meghan Solomons, came up behind her, grabbed her purse and ran off, police said.

Police say there was a tussle, Solomons  tossed the bag into a getaway car, but the woman wouldn't give in. She ran, yelled, and struggled to regain possession.

"I give that woman a lot of credit to chase her down," Anne Yard said.

The victim suffered minor injuries, but refused medical attention at the scene.

As CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported, shoppers were holding onto their pocketbooks tightly on Tuesday, amid a tizzy of turkey day supermarket madness.

"It's risky behavior, but good for her she kicked some major butt, just because you are over a certain age doesn't mean you have to be a victim," Mara Hochhauser.

Solomons is charged with third-degree robbery. She was arraigned Monday, and was being held on $10,000 bail.

Solomons lives in a gated community with grandparents who appeared to be at a loss to explain the alleged purse snatching behavior.

Holidays are a time to be alert.

"I bought this purse, just to the hsopping, to keep in front of me and around my neck," Maria LoDuca said.

Shoppers in Massapequa said they want to believe that most everyone is trustworthy, still they plan to hold onto their purses extra tight.

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