New Bedford Residents Prevent Un Armed Robbery

Michael Dipaola[/caption]Alert New Bedford residents thwarted a would be purse snatcher Friday Night in the South End. Detective Capt. Steve Vicente says that police were waved down around 8 pm by a passerby who told them that a female was being robbed at the corner of Rodney French Blvd and Cove St.. Several other witness, pointed out the suspect who was fleeing easterly on Cove Street and after being chased through several yards was finally arrested as he tried to hide in a vacant building on Morton Court.  The unidentfied 19 year old victim was not harmed and told police, the suspect was unable to steal the purse but did reach inside and grab some cash but fled as police arrived. The suspect is identified as 30 year old Michael Dipaola of Clifford St in New Bedford and he faces un armed robbery and assault and battery charges in district court.