Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – A 12-year-old boy was arrested Thursday after police say he stole a purse from a 19-year-old female student near the Le Moyne College campus.
Syracuse police say the victim was leaving a pizzeria at 1135 Salt Springs Road around 2:30 p.m. when she was surrounded by four juveniles between the ages of 10 and 12. The victim told police they demanded her purse, when she refused, the 12-year-old pulled out a gun, threatened her, and took the purse. Police say the gun turned out to be a pellet gun.
The four youths fled on foot. Police officers blanketed the area and three suspects were quickly caught; a fourth suspect was arrested shortly thereafter.
The woman's purse and its contents have been recovered.
Police spokesman Sgt. Tom Connellan says the 12-year-old was charged with robbery in first degree. Police say the other three youths were turned over to a parent or guardian.
Connellan says the 12-year-old charged in Thursday’s robbery, was one of several people charged in a burglary earlier this week. He has been sent to the Hillbrook Detention Center pending an appearance in Family Court.
