Three out-of-state utility workers came to the aid of an elderly couple when a mugger stole a pocketbook from an 80-year-old woman in New Hyde Park on Tuesday morning.
Brian Maher, 29, a homeless man, stole the pocketbook after a struggle with the elderly woman near a bus stop on Jericho Turnpike and Ingram Lane in New Hyde Park on Nov. 13 at 9 a.m., inspector Kenneth Lack of the Nassau County Police Information said in a Wednesday press conference.
Lack said Lee Snoddy, a utility worker from Louisiana helping LIPA, was in his truck at the intersection and observed the incident. He saw the 82-year-old husband of the victim attempt to stop Maher and watched as the man fell to the ground, suffering lacerations and contusions to his head and face and injuries to his left knee and hand.
Snoddy, 38, jumped from his truck, chased the suspect, knocked him down, retrieved the pocketbook and returned to the elderly couple, Lack said.
At the same time, two other utility workers also assisting LIPA, Brent Bernard of Louisiana and Robbie Jarnan from Mississippi, continued to follow the alleged assailant for several blocks and held him until 3rd Precinct Police arrived on the scene.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t give credit to those heroes who retrieved the pocketbook and held the suspect,” Lack said.
The utility workers provided statements to the police at the scene.
Lack said their efforts aided police who might have had difficulty in catching Maher.
The victim’s husband was transported by police ambulance to a local hospital and was treated and released.
Maher, who has no known address, is being charged with two counts of robbery 2nd degree.
He was arraigned at 1st District Court in Hempstead on Wednesday.
Reach reporter Richard Tedesco by e-mail at rtedesco@theislandnow.com or by phone at 516.307.1045 x204. Also follow us on Twitter @theislandnow1 and Facebook at facebook.com/theislandnow.
