Claymont – The Delaware State Police have arrested Cornelius Foster, 52, of Chester PA, in connection with a purse snatching that took place in the parking lot of the Tri-State Mall in mid-August, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 4:29 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018, when a 92-year-old female victim was walking through the parking lot of the Save-A-Lot Grocery Store located at 401 Naamans Road, Claymont. Foster approached her from behind, shoved her and grabbed her purse.
Through a variety of investigative leads and measures, Foster was found to have used the victim’s credit card in Pennsylvania which led to him being positively identified. Foster was taken into custody at his Chester, PA., home without incident, subsequently waived extradition back to Delaware and was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with one count each of Robbery 1st Degree and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. Foster was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 and then committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $62,000.00 secured bail.
Original Story
Claymont – Troopers are investigating a purse snatching that occurred yesterday in the parking lot of the Tri-State Mall, Claymont, according to Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz.
Bratz said the preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 4:29 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018, when a 92-year-old female victim was walking through the parking lot of the Save-A-Lot Grocery Store located at 401 Naamans Road in Claymont. A male suspect approached her from behind and shoved her. The suspect grabbed her purse and the victim was able to maintain her balance and did not fall to the ground. The victim observed the suspect running northbound through the parking lot. The victim was not injured in this incident.
The suspect was described as a black male wearing a blue shirt and dark colored shorts running through the parking lot. The suspect was seen entering a white vehicle which exited the parking lot from the northeast side entrance. The suspect was not reported to be armed.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Trooper J. Lucyk at Troop 1 (302-660-4274) or Troop 2 Robbery Unit at (302-365-8566). Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.