Off-Duty York Deputy Sees Theft, Catches Suspect

By WYDaily Staff Saturday, June 12, 2010

A purse-snatcher was thwarted Friday afternoon when an off-duty York-Poquoson Sheriff's Deputy observed the theft and gave chase.

Deputy Alan Bartnikowski was near the Rite Aid in the 5500 block of Route 17 - the Wolf Trap Road intersection - around 4:10 p.m. when he saw what appeared to be a purse snatching in progress in the pharmacy's parking lot.

The deputy saw the suspect flee the parking lot on foot, then get into a vehicle on nearby Constitution Drive. That car took off eastbound on Dare Road. Deputy Bartnikowski followed after the car in his personal vehicle, and located the suspect's vehicle at the end of Holden Lane, which is just past the Lafayette Gun Club off Dare Road.

The deputy blocked the road with his personal vehicle, and immediately identified himself as a York-Poquoson Sheriff's deputy. The suspect fled his vehicle on foot, with Deputy Bartnikowski giving pursuit and catching up to the man a short distance later.

On-duty deputies arrived soon after, arresting 27-year-old Andre M. Williams, of the 300 block of Tabbs Lane in Newport News. He was charged with one count of felony grand larceny and was transported to the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.

The investigation revealed Williams approached the victim in the parking lot, asking for directions. As the victim entered her vehicle, Williams snatched her purse and fled on foot. According to a York-Poquoson Sheriff's spokesman, the victim reported no injuries as a result.

As always, the sheriff's department is asking anyone with information on this crime is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.