Port Authority cop from NY helps nab accused purse snatcher

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A 46-year-old Boston man has been charged in unarmed robbery after an off-duty New York New Jersey Port Authority Police Officer reportedly stopped him from running off with a woman's purse.

Investigators were called to the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Linden Street in Allston just before 8:30 a.m. Tuesday on reports of a robbery in progress. When they arrived, they heard the suspect, identified as Joseph Mrozinski, screaming, "Let me go! Get off of me!" They say the off-duty officer and a second man were holding the suspect down on the ground.

The victim of the alleged purse snatching was standing nearby and told investigators she was sitting at an outside table with the second man when the suspect grabbed her purse and ran down an alley way. The man chased the suspect down as the victim shouted, "He stole my purse!"

The off-duty officer was exiting a restaurant and also began chasing after the suspect, who tripped and fell. Both men were able to hold the man down and the victim recovered her purse.

Boston police continue to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 617-343-4256.

Cox Media Group