Lynn police arrest accused purse snatcher

LYNN – Lynn Police said they arrested a suspected purse-snatcher Friday afternoon after chasing him through several backyards off Boston Street.Police arrested 19-year-old Claudio Melo, of 54 North Franklin St., #3 and charged him with armed robbery, resisting arrest and malicious destruction of property over $250.Sgt. Michael Kenney witnessed a man grab a woman’s purse on Boston Street near New Park Street, according to Lt. Christopher Kelly. Kelly said the suspect ran through backyards toward Franklin Street before he was finally arrested.”When (Kenney) went to approach the suspect he fled on foot and chased him over a bunch of fences and behind houses,” said Kelly. “Through the assistance of several officers they were able to take him into custody for the armed robbery.”Kelly said the suspect was armed with a folding knife, but no injuries were reported.Matt Tempesta may be reached at [email protected].