By GAYLA CAWLEY
SWAMPSCOTT — Swampscott police responding to an attempted purse snatching Wednesday morning said the victim fought off a man who walked quickly toward her around 8 a.m. and pushed her to the ground, and tried to grab her purse.
The woman told police she kicked the man and started screaming after the attack at Columbia Street and Beach Avenue. The woman said the man wore a man wearing a camouflage bandana over his face, a gray hoodie, work boots and jeans.
https://newitemlive.wpengine.com/news/police-log-12-7-2016/
Derek Peterson, owner of Sequoia Builders, was working across the street, heard the screams and ran after the suspect, who fled down Beach Avenue before disappearing out of sight down Mountain Avenue, police said.
“Police checked the area for the suspect,” police said in a statement. “It should be noted that no other description was given of the suspect and that the attack was unprovoked. The victim refused medical attention and was picked up by her husband. The suspect did not get any items from the victim.”
Officer Thomas Lucas was assisted by Officers Brendan Reen and Brian Wilson. Chief Ronald Madigan checked the area for the suspect, along with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division and Lynn police.
Police are also using the attempted purse snatching as an opportunity to remind citizens that thefts, house break-ins and robberies spike before Christmas.
“Residents are urged to leave lights on at home when you are not at home,” police said in their statement. “Notify your local police if you are going to be away, have a home check person, set your alarms if you have one, never leave any packages in your vehicle in sight and keep your purse close to you and never, never leave them in a carriage in any store.
“We strongly urge residents to please call the police if you see anyone acting suspicious in your neighborhood.”
https://newitemlive.wpengine.com/news/deadly-threat-but-no-gun-in-lynnway-shooting/
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley