Good Samaritans Credited With Stopping Alleged Purse Thief At Walmart
By Kristina Dougherty and Anita Oh
BURLINGTON Twp., NJ (CBS) – Good Samaritans helped detain a woman accused of stealing a shopper's purse and keys from a South Jersey Walmart.
Authorities say around 7:09 p.m. on January 5, officers responded to the Walmart on Mount Holly Road in Burlington for the report of a female breaking into a vehicle.
Police say Patricia Buckley, 30, stole the victim's purse from her cart while she was shopping.
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Authorities say Buckley then left the store, found the woman's vehicle and used the keys she found in the purse to get in her car.
Once the victim realized her purse was missing, she exited the store and found the suspect rummaging through her vehicle, allegedly looking for additional items to steal.
Police say Buckley attempted to flee on foot, but was stopped by Good Samaritans who detained her until officers arrived. Those who helped out never gave their names and now police are looking to identify them to commend them for their efforts. They're hoping to honor the man who ran after the thief and give him a letter of recognition.
Authorities say Buckley was arrested and charged with theft and burglary to a motor vehicle. She is currently lodged in jail pending a court appearance.
"Inside the wristlet is my bank cards, my credit cards, my driver's license, my cash and my car keys," said the victim. She did not want to be identified. "I was shaking from head to toe she added.
"You'll see the suspect walk across the screen. During that time she's hitting the key fob," described Detective Mike Casella.
"The doors open at Walmart and here she is in my car," the victim described. "I said 'what are you doing in my car' and she said 'um...um...um.' She broke out of my grip and started to run and that's when I started screaming help."
The victim told Eyewitness News that she always straps her wristlet to the cart while she shops. When she realized at checkout that her purse was gone, she rushed straight to the car.
She also said that the Good Samaritans who helped also aided her in getting her money back. "I opened my purse and my money was gone and I looked at the Good Samaritan and said my money's gone. He said 'give her back her money' and she went in her purse and handed me the money. I want to thank him from the bottom of my heart, that he took the time to help me."
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The Good Samaritan is described as a tall, black man in his forties with a goatee, wearing dark clothing. "Without him intervening, there's a very good chance this victim wouldn't have gotten her property back," said Detective Casella.
Anyone who knows the identity of this man, or any of the Good Samaritans is asked to contact P/O Jarrod Broadway at 609-386-2019 or jbroadway98@burltwppd.com or Det. Mike Casella at 609-239-4486 or mcasella90@burltwppd.com.