Suffolk cops link man to 15 purse-snatchings
Ernesto Suarez was arrested by Suffolk County Police on Friday and charged with six counts of Grand Larceny and nine counts of Robbery for snatching purses in Bay Shore, Central Islip, Deer Park, Commack and Bohemia. (Dec. 19, 2010) Credit: SCPD
Suffolk police say they've arrested a serial purse-snatcher from Central Islip who they believe stole 15 pocketbooks over a three-week spree.
The suspect, Ernesto Suarez, 33, of 44 Grove St. in Central Islip, was caught Friday afternoon after he allegedly grabbed a purse in a Kohl's parking lot in Deer Park, police said.
The victim gave police the suspect's license plate number, which was relayed to officers in the field, said Det. Sgt. William Rand, a supervisor of the Third Squad detectives.
Police later spotted Suarez, who was in a stolen car and tried to flee, but hit a marked cruiser and a telephone pole on Union Boulevard in Bay Shore, police said.
Detectives from five squads across the county connected him to purse-snatchings throughout Suffolk. Rand said victims gave a consistent description and that Suarez had admitted to the crimes. "We're confident that he's the one," he said.
His attorney, Steve Fondulis of Port Jefferson, said police charged Suarez in connection with about a dozen incidents between Dec. 4 and Dec. 17 that took place at locations that included a Macy's parking lot, a Costco in Commack and a Target store, and the South Shore Mall in Bay Shore. Police say they have also connected him with others in Central Islip, Deer Park and Bohemia.
All of Suarez's victims were women, and he struck near stores such as Old Navy, TJ Maxx and Michaels crafts, said Det. Sgt. Tony LaVista, another squad supervisor.
Suarez was charged with multiple counts of grand larceny, robbery, resisting arrest, unlawful fleeing of a police officer, police said.
Fondulis said his client pleaded not guilty Sunday at his arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip. "He's indicated he's looked for help involving drugs," Fondulis said in an interview. "I believe he has a heroin problem."
