Robbery Suspect Runs Into Police Custody

A 17-year-old boy was arrested after he allegedly snatched a purse and was chased by the woman and her elderly husband into the arms of an El Monte police officer.

Hsin Yang, 62, and her husband, Kam Yang, 73, were strolling near Peck Road and Lower Azusa Road shortly before 8:30 p.m. Monday when two youths ran up behind them, one yanking the woman’s purse, said El Monte Det. John Fentress. The youth ran across Peck Road and into a shopping center with the couple in pursuit, officials said. The chase headed toward Police Officer George Fierro, who was finishing a meal at a fast-food restaurant while talking to the station on a phone, police said.

Fierro, pointed his service weapon at the suspect and yelled ‘Freeze! Police!’ ” Fentress said. “The suspect looked directly at him, turned around and handed the purse to Yang, who was about to catch up with him.”