Crime & Safety
Citizens Halt Man Who Allegedly Snatched Purse From Cart At Target
Police responded to the scene at the parking lot around 4:18 p.m. Thursday.
Middletown Police arrested a township man who allegedly grabbed a woman's purse from a shopping cart in the Target parking lot and tried to take off.
He didn't get far, because the woman gave chase and two citizens assisted by halting the alleged robber until police arrived on the scene.
Paul Welch, 34 of Chapman Terrace was charged with theft and refusing arrest by pulling his arms away from officers trying to cuff him.
Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
He was also charged with child endangerment for leaving a child with autism, legally in his care, in a locked non-running vehicle for two hours in 33 degree weather.
According to the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office, he has also been charged with offenses related to drug and drug paraphernalia possession, and intent to distribute drugs.
Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Welch is being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility on $72,500 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
