Woman, 76, Injured in Toms River Purse Snatching

A 76-year-old Berkeley Township woman was injured when a man snatched her purse outside the Toms River Kohl's store on Route 37 Friday night.

The robbery occurred around 6:30 p.m., said Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.

The victim was walking in front of the store when a suspect ran up behind her and ripped away her purse, causing her to fall to the ground, Mastronardy said. A witness came to her aid and briefly chased the suspect, who ultimately got away after he ran into the woods near the Garden State Parkway.

The suspect fled with the victim’s burgundy purse which contained $50, her cell phone and other personal papers, said Mastronardy. She was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

The suspect, partially caught on a security camera, is described as a black male 5’9”, wearing a black jacket with red sleeves, blue jeans and a black knit hat with red stripes.

Officer Louis Taranto, Detective Robert O’Neill and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the robbery. Anyone with information is requested to call O’Neill at 349-0150 ext. 1255.