Bystander stops purse snatcher outside Potomac Mills
Prince William County VA June 6 2018 A bystander stopped a purse snatcher outside of Potomac Mills mall Sunday, according to Prince William police.
Bryan Jeremy Finley, 24, of the 6900 block of Sparks Court in Bryans Road, Maryland, is charged with robbery and assault and battery, police spokesperson Officer Nathan Probus said.
A 48-year-old woman was walking in the parking lot around 3:58 p.m. in the area of Burlington Coat Factory and JC Penney’s outside the mall at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle in Woodbridge.
Finley allegedly demanded her purse. When she refused, he grabbed the bag from her shoulder. As she attempted to resist, he assaulted the woman before attempting to run with the bag, Probus said.
A 35-year-old man walking nearby saw what happened and chased Finley. The two men struggled until the bystander was able to restrain Finley until officers arrived. Minor injuries were reported, Probus said.
Investigators learned Finley also stole a purse from the Burlington Coat Factory earlier in the afternoon, and he was charged with petit larceny.
Finley is being held without bond and is expected in court Aug. 22.
InsideNOVA
