Failed Purse Snatching Yields Drug Charges

A failed purse snatching near  led to the arrest of a man on drug charges Friday afternoon, according to police.

Anthony Candelmo, 53, was charged with possession of crack cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal attempt at sixth degree larceny after police detained and searched the man.

Capt. Fred Komm said that Candelmo had approached a woman around 2:18 p.m. while she was walking toward her vehicle parked near the spa. 

As she was opening the vehicle's door, the man reportedly asked for money. Uncomfortable, she shut the door and started to walk back to the store.

But Candelmo pursued her and asked again if she could spare any money, Komm said, this time putting his hand on her purse and attempting to take it. When she drew away, he left the area.

After police were contacted about the incident, they were able to locate Candelmo in the westbound Noroton Heights station lot. A search of his person allegedly turned up a small amount of crack cocaine and a glass pipe containing a residue of the drug.

Candelmo was initially released on bond, which was subsequently reduced to a promise to appear in court March 14.