According to Linden police officials, two juveniles from Newark, both age 16, have been arrested and are charged for their role in a series of purse snatchings last summer.
Shortly before 9:30 a.m. on August 19, 2021, authorities say Linden Police Officers responded to the 500 block of N. Wood Avenue on reported attempted purse theft.
Officials say the victim, a 31-year-old woman, reported that the suspects approached her from behind and attempted to steal her purse off her shoulder.
The woman screamed as she struggled with the suspects, who ran from the scene as several drivers stopped their vehicles to help, officials say.
Minutes later, authorities say officers responded to a reported second purse theft on the 400 block of Maple Avenue.
County officials say the victim, a 69-year-old woman, was knocked to the ground as the suspects stole her purse from her shoulder.
Approximately 25 minutes later, at about 9:55 a.m., officials say officers responded to the intersection of Maple & Zeigler Avenue on a reported third purse theft.
The victim, a 23-year-old woman, also reported that the suspects approached her from behind and grabbed her purse from her shoulder, officials say.
According to authorities, the juveniles were identified during the course of an exhausting four-month investigation by the Linden Police Detective Bureau.
Juvenile complaints were filed against both juveniles for three counts of second-degree robbery, say authorities.
County officials state that the juveniles remain in custody at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center on unrelated charges.
These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.