64° M/CLOUDY, Purse stealing suspect bitten by police dog
Last Modified: Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 7:35 p.m.
OCALA -- Four young men chased by Ocala police after one of them was seen breaking into a car and stealing a purse on Saturday, were apprehended by officers, according to authorities.
Christopher Choung, 19, who allegedly stole the purse, had to taken to Munroe Regional Medical Center because a police dog bit him on the knee after he refused orders to stop trying to get away.
Choung was charged with auto burglary and resisting an officer.
Officials say a Wal-Mart employee saw the car break-in by a man who was in a car with three other people.
The vehicle was later spotted by Lt. Dan Wilson who pursued it until it stopped in the 1600 block of Northeast 38th Terrace.
Officers said 19-year-old Yday Whitfield, Ethan Hatchett, 19 and Robert Harvey also 19, remained in the vehicle, while Choung ran.
Whitfield, who was the driver, was charged with principle to burglary, fleeing and eluding and driving while license is suspended or revoked. Both Hatchett and Harvey were charged with principle to burglary.
The purse was recovered, officials said.
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Comments
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October 5, 2008 6:55:44 am
Women (me included) need to stop leaving our purses in our vehicle, Ocala is not as safe as it used to be.
October 5, 2008 10:46:50 am
here is how extremely sleep deprived I was the other day... I went to walmart in the middle of the night, and somehow I left my cell phone ON TOP OF MY CAR! I went inside and shopped and when I came back out, my husband had called me twice (I have a loud ringer)
I cannot believe no one heard it ringing and snatched it. Silly me.
October 6, 2008 4:50:44 am
Do women think it is safe to leave their purses inside cars while shopping? Sounds like they are advertising to be victims.
October 6, 2008 5:57:06 am
I don't think anyone believes it is safe, we just do it sometimes. Personally I take it with me in Walmart or the grocery store, but when I get gas or run into the convenience store I will leave it in the car. Many women in Orlando had their purses stolen recently while pumping gas.
October 6, 2008 9:20:54 am
Ladies, please do not leave your purses in your car or in your buggy while grocery shopping. I see this all the time and you are asking for trouble. You may as well stand at the door of the store and hand your money to the criminals. Men, stop leaving your garage door open begging for strangers to come in and take your belongings!! Prevent crime if you can. Let's all use some common sense!
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