Snow plow driver pursues suspected purse-snatcher (Canton, OH)

CantonRep.com ^ | 2/3/2011 | Benjamin Duer

[GreenAccord]

ALLIANCE —

Snow plow driver John Shuman didn’t like what he saw in the Walmart parking lot. Consequently, he followed a man identified by police as a purse-snatching suspect.

That suspect, Cody Bragg, 18, likewise did not like what he was seeing in his rear view mirror – a snow plow hot on his trail.

Both were so disturbed by the Wednesday evening events that each made telephone calls to law enforcement officials.

Shuman reported that he witnessed a purse snatching outside the Walmart at 2700 W. State St.

Someone reportedly snatched a woman’s purse from a shopping cart. When the victim resisted, she reportedly was dragged several feet while the culprit drove away with her purse.

Bragg, according to city police, expressed concern about being pursued by a snow plow truck.

“The guy followed him for a little while before he called in,” police Lt. Kevin Moore said. “I guess he realized the guy wasn’t going to stop following him. He called 911. It was eventually transferred to us.”

Eventually, these events led to the arrest of Bragg, who is facing charges of robbery and theft from Alliance police. Stark County sheriff’s deputies also charged Bragg, of 15579 Greenbower St. NE, Lexington Township, with a second robbery charge.

“He did not admit to what he did to the dispatcher,” Moore said. “He called because he was being followed. And he did reference the purse snatching.”

Moore explained that Bragg reported another individual had snatched the woman’s purse.

But the victim and the snow plow driver told authorities there was only one person in the vehicle when the purse snatching occurred.

Shuman, 45, a Nimishillen Township resident, recalled having suspicions of Bragg when he noticed him in the vicinity of a handicapped parking spot.

Shuman said he kept watch as a female shopper approached.

“He just rolled forward and put his hood over his head,” Shuman said. “I knew at that point he was up to no good. As soon as my mind was processing what could happen, he was reaching his hand out the (vehicle) window and snatched the purse.”

Despite the inclement conditions of Wednesday night, Shuman decided to follow the vehicle.

“I probably pursued him for over a half hour,” Shuman said.

While Shuman did not apprehend the suspect, he pursued him to the eastern edge of Canton. Police from Canton apprehended Bragg in the vicinity of a Walmart at 3200 Atlantic Blvd. NE.

[GreenAccord]

I suppose this is the kind of kid who would have called the police if someone stole his marijuana.

Good show by the concerned citizen.

[1rudeboy]

I’m impressed. But not as much as I’d be impressed if he kept his plow down and moved some snow, we need it done.