Shelton police credited a public tip with helping them identify an Orange resident who allegedly stole a purse from an 84-year-old woman.
The suspect, 59-year-old Denise Purciello, was charged with fourth-degree larceny and credit card theft Thursday (July 26).
In a prepared statement, Detective Richard Bango said the 84-year-old woman was shopping in ShopRite at 875 Bridgeport Ave. May 8 when her purse was stolen out of her cart.
“The victim immediately called her bank to cancel her credit cards, only to learn that her card was already used at TJ Maxx on Bridgeport Ave.,” Bango said.
Cops obtained surveillance video from ShopRite that showed a woman stealing the victim’s purse as her back was turned. Police shared the video, asking for help in identifying the suspect.
“After the press release, a tip was called into the Shelton Police Department regarding the woman and the vehicle,” Bango said.
Detectives investigated the tip and identified Purciello as the suspect, Bango said.
After charging Purciello Thursday, police held her on $1,000 bond for arraignment at Superior Court in Derby.
