Police arrest alleged purse-snatcher in Newport

DERBY — Police arrested a 43-year-old man from Newport City yesterday after they say he snatched a purse from a woman at Price Chopper.

Matthew Phelps was scheduled to appear in court today to face charges of larceny, recklessly endangering another person, and aggravated assault.

At around 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday police were called to Price Chopper in Derby for a report that Phelps approached a woman in the parking lot, stole a purse from her person, and ran back to his truck.

The woman chased Phelps and tried to reach into his truck to get her purse back.

While she was reaching inside the truck, Phelps took off with her on the vehicle.

Phelps was later apprehended in Newport City.

Police say the woman was not injured.