Police: Man robbed elderly woman, led police on chase through river
A man assaulted and robbed an elderly woman at a dollar store and then led police on a foot chase through a river, authorities say.
Chad Rico, 33, is charged with unarmed robbery on a person over age 60.
Chad Rico, 33, shoved a 78 year-old woman to the ground and stole her pocketbook at the Dollar General Store in Dudley just before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the Dudley Police Department. The victim was taken to Harrington Hospital, where she was treated for injuries to her arm and head.
Police used surveillance video to obtain a description of the suspect. Then, just before 8 p.m., officers said they spotted Rico on the street. There was an active warrant out for his arrest, according to police. Rico fled when approached by police, leading them on a foot chase through the French River, authorities say. An officer reportedly followed Rico through the water and arrested him on the river bank.
Rico had a knife, illegal prescription drugs, and a set of metallic knuckles on him when arrested, according to police. Police and a K9 discovered the stolen pocketbook in a dumpster near the area where Rico was first spotted.
Rico was charged with unarmed robbery on a person over age 60, carrying a dangerous weapon (second offense), illegal possession of a class B drug, assault and battery on a person over 60, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest, according to Police Chief Steven Wojnar.
Wojnar commended the officers for the speedy capture of the suspect.
Rico was held on $1,000 bail. He will be arraigned at Dudley District Court on Wednesday.
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