Woman dragged to ground in Center Pointe Plaza purse snatching

Center Pointe Plaza (Photo: Google maps)
Center Pointe Plaza (Photo: Google maps)

STANTON, DELAWARE (1/4/2016) A 53-year-old woman was dragged to the ground by a man who stole her purse in the parking lot of Center Pointe Plaza, the Delaware State Police reported Sunday.

The crime at 1309 Churchmans Road happened about 2:45 p.m. Thursday as the woman walked with her 14-year-old daughter from the T.J. Maxx department store toward Purebread Deli.

The man approached the pair from behind, dragging the woman down until she let go of the purse, police said.

He fled across Churchmans Road, where witnesses reported he removed the woman’s wallet and car keys from the purse, then left the purse on the ground and fled into woods.

Police said the woman was slightly injured.

The robber was described as a white man, 25-35 years old and 5-feet-11. He was wearing a black and red hooded sweatshirt, black hat and jeans. Police said he wasn’t believed to be armed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 302-633-5000.

Tips also may be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards, at 800-847-3333 or www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.