Essex Crime: Woman's Purse Snatched Outside Mars

A 50-year-old woman had her purse snatched from her as she waited outside on Wednesday.

According to police, the woman said the man approached her from behind and stole her purse before running toward Orville Road in Middle River. A store employee chased the man before the suspect drove off with another man heading toward North Marlyn Ave.

Police said the woman’s purse was later discovered but it was missing $800, two medications and her bank card.

The woman told police the suspect was a white male in his early twenties, about 5-foot-7, 150 pounds and was last seen wearing a black ski mask, black hooded sweatshirt and black boots.

Coverwood Court, unit block, Dec. 21 and Dec. 14: A homeless man was arrested and charged with fourth-degree burglary after being caught allegedly breaking into an apartment.

According to police reports, James Leak, 39, told officers after he was arrested that he had found an open window and went in to go to sleep. Leak also admitted to allegedly breaking into and sleeping in another apartment, according to the police report. In that case, according to police, Leak took $240, drank a beer and ate some snacks from the aprtment.

Goodwood Ave., 1400 block, Dec. 19, Between 10:17 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.: A semi-automatic handgun, $57 and several pieces of jewelry were stolen from the home. Total loss: $2,257.

Roundup Road, 100 block, Dec. 18: A Wii, stereo, vacuum, jewelry and money were stolen from a home. Total loss: $349.97.

Cockpit Street, unit block, Between 11 p.m. Dec. 16 and 7 a.m. Dec. 17:  Two motorcycles were stolen from a home; one from a front porch and one from an unlocked shed. Total loss: $2,300