An alleged purse-snatcher was able to get away from a West 7^th Street business last night, despite being chased by the victim’s husband, a witness and police.

The incident happened around 7:45 at Arby’s, where a black male in his early to mid 20’s reportedly approached 63-year old Sandy Mattingly of Hopkinsville from behind as she got a newspaper out of the vending machine.

The suspect took Ms. Mattingingly’s purse and fled on foot, with her husband and the bystander pursuing.

Hopkinsville Police Officer Jack Lingenfelter just happened to be in the area in his cruiser and nearly wrecked when the suspect ran into traffic, causing vehicles to come to an abrupt stop.

Officer Lingenfelter got out of his vehicle and pursued on foot, but the suspect got away with cash, identification, keys and other items.

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12/02/2011/am