Purse Snatching Saviors In New Hyde Park

Written by Dave Gil de Rubio Tuesday, 20 November 2012 00:00

Trio of out-of-state utility workers come to rescue of two elderly residents

When 29-year-old Brian Maher allegedly stole a pocketbook from an unnamed 80-year-old female at a New Hyde Park bus stop in the vicinity of Jericho Turnpike and Ingram Lane on Tuesday, Nov. 13, it was without the knowledge that three Good Samaritans would help out the victim. According to Inspector Kenneth Lack, “the 82-year-old husband attempted to stop the defendant by beating him off with an umbrella, fell to the ground and received lacerations and contusions to his head and face and injuries to his left knee and hand.”

According to police, at that point three utility workers, Lee Snoddy and Brent Bernard of Louisiana and Mississippi resident Robbie Jarman observed what was going on. Snoddy jumped out of his car, gave chase enough to retrieve the pocketbook. As he headed back to return the victim’s allegedly stolen property and check on her well-being, co-workers Bernard and Jarman joined in the pursuit. Police reported that after chasing Maher for several blocks, they caught up enough to tackle the alleged perpetrator and hold him until police arrived.

The victim’s husband was transported by a police ambulance to a local hospital, treated and released. Maher was charged with two counts of third degree robbery and was arraigned in First District Court on Tuesday, Nov. 14.