Police: Good Samaritan helps nab thief who punched woman in face
A good samaritan helped police capture a suspected thief who punched a woman in the face in a Worcester parking lot on Wednesday night, authorities say.
The incident happened at about 9 p.m., when a man approached a married couple walking in the lot, punched the woman in the face, and then grabbed her wallet before running away, according to the Worcester Police Department. Police say the woman’s husband chased after him.
A male witness told police when they arrived at the scene that he believed the suspect was hiding in an alleyway. The witness said he saw the man run into the alleyway, so he stood at the entrance until authorities arrived. Police say they searched the alley, looking in dumpsters and checking for unlocked doors, and discovered the suspect hiding in an unlit stairway.
Albert Hines, 47, of Worcester, was arrested and charged with unarmed robbery, assault and battery, and trespassing.
The woman, who is 38 years old, was treated at the scene for superficial injuries to her face, according to police.
Police say they found the victim’s wallet, containing credit cards and her identification, near a dumpster about 15 feet from where Hines was hiding. Police say they also found cash on Hines that equaled the exact amount the victim said she had in her wallet.
Hines will be arraigned in Worcester District Court on Thursday.
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