Syracuse, NY -- A 16-year-old from East Syracuse and a 14-year-old were arrested this morning in connection with a purse snatching that occurred hours earlier on Syracuse's North Side. Laquan Taylor, 16, of 509 N. Center St., East Syracuse, was charged with felony robbery, grand larceny and assault, Syracuse police said. The 14-year-old, who was not named due to his...
Syracuse, NY -- A 16-year-old from East Syracuse and a 14-year-old were arrested this morning in connection with a purse snatching that occurred hours earlier on Syracuse's North Side.
Laquan Taylor, 16, of 509 N. Center St., East Syracuse, was charged with felony robbery, grand larceny and assault, Syracuse police said. The 14-year-old, who was not named due to his age, will face the same charges in Family Court.
The victim, Cynthia LaFountain, 58, was walking from her residence on DeWitt Street to her job at Upstate University Hospital around 7:35 a.m. when the robbery occurred.
Here is what happened, according to police:
LaFountain was approached from behind by the suspects, who struck her and knocked her to the ground. The suspects took off with her handbag, including LaFountain's wallet, credit cards, cash and a cell phone.
Syracuse police set up a perimeter around the area. Witnesses and neighbors led officers to the 100 block of Gertrude Street.
Officers spotted the two suspects, who ran into the residence at 123 Gertrude St. Police surrounded the home before entering and finding the suspects hiding in a closet. They were in possession of the same amount of money taken from LaFountain.
LaFountain and witnesses positively identified the suspects. Other witnesses and neighbors then led police to 320 Hawley Ave., where the suspects had entered for a brief period before fleeing.
During a search of 320 Hawley Ave., officers found the victim's handbag, cell phone and wallet in a closet. The residents told police the suspects had hidden the loot inside.
Syracuse police commended neighbors and witnesses for "excellent cooperation" in helping to apprehend the suspects.
Sgt. Tom Connellan said it's the second time witnesses have cooperated in two days; a shooting suspect was arrested Wednesday with help from citizens, he said.