GLOUCESTER CITY NJ-On February 17, 2013 at 11:18 a.m. an 80 year old female resident was operating her
electric scooter in the 500 block of Cumberland Street when she was approached from behind by a male. The male grabbed her purse and tried to flee; however, the victim refused to let go of the purse. The male then pushed the victim, knocking her off her scooter, and fled from the area with the purse.
A witness called police and Ptl. Bill Lessig apprehended the suspect on Broadway at Somerset Street. The suspect later provided a statement to detectives admitting his crime, after being positively identified by both the victim and the witness.
The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by G.C.F.D. personnel. The victim's purse was recovered from the roof of a garage in the 500 block of Somerset Street and returned to her.
John E. Reed (22), a resident of the 300 block of Ridgeway Street, was charged with Robbery, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Hypodermic Syringes. He was later remanded to Camden County Jail in default of $25,000 bail.
