Police: Security Guard Caught Purse-Snatcher

http://www.kptv.com/news/17935031/detail.html

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A security guard at a mini mart who was in the right place at the right time stopped a robber from stealing a woman's purse Friday.

Police said Salvador Hernandez-Mejia grabbed a woman's purse right in front of Peterson's Market on Southwest 10th and Morrison streets.

Police said the woman was outside Peterson's Market right along the MAX tracks when the robber came up and grabbed her purse.

A security guard said he was following his usual routine when he noticed the man and woman struggling right outside the market.

To make matters worse, officers said the robber hit the woman with her purse.

The security guard, who works at Peterson's Market, ran out and tackled the robber, police said.

The security guard said it all happened so quickly.

"I see some guy hit that one lady and another guy he hit that guy and I go to help because that guy he try to run," said the security guard Mario Alon.

Hernandez-Mejia was arrested on charges of assault and robbery.

Police said he's an illegal immigrant so he also has an immigration hold on him.

The victim was clearly distraught as she talked to detectives but she appeared to be OK.

Video - http://www.kptv.com/video/17935186/index.html