Lynn man accused in GLSS purse theft held on $50G

SALEM – A Lynn man accused of snatching a handbag from a 90-year-old woman at the Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) in July remains held at the Middleton Jail on $50,000 cash bail after pleading innocent to assault and battery and larceny from a person over 65.Russell Kerivan, 62, homeless, appeared for his arraignment Wednesday afternoon in Salem Superior Court, and Judge David A. Lowy set the high bail amount at the joint request of Assistant District Attorney John B. Brennan and defense lawyer Christopher Norris. Lowy left the door open for a bail review hearing at another court date.Kerivan also was ordered to stay away from his accuser if he makes bail.The elderly victim told authorities it was around noon on July 8 when she sat down for lunch and a game of Bingo with her friends at the GLSS, located at 8 Silsbee St. in Lynn. Kerivan came up and sat next to her and began to engage in small talk.At some point Kerivan left, but asked the woman and her friends to watch over his bottle of Vodka, saying he would be right back. But the victim and her friends noticed that Kerivan had swapped his bottle for her purse.As Kerivan began leaving the premises a GLSS female staff member tried to stop him but she was pushed away.A Lynn police officer, working a detail nearby, captured Kerivan as he was running down Union Street.Police said they found a pack of cigarettes and $52 in Kerivan?s pants pocket during a pat frisk.He?s due back in court on Dec. 9.