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Cops: Sandy Utility Workers Help Catch Alleged Purse Snatcher On Long Island

NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Three out-of-state line workers who came to the aid of Sandy victims also went above and beyond to help an elderly robbery victim on Long Island, police said.

The 80-year-old woman and her 82-year-old husband were waiting at a bus stop near Jericho Turnpike and Ingram Lane in New Hyde Park around 9 a.m. Tuesday when they were attacked, police said.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports

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The 29-year-old suspect, identified as Brian Maher, struggled with the woman before fleeing with her pocketbook, police said.

The victim's husband then tried to give chase but fell to the ground, receiving lacerations and contusions to his head and face as well as injuries to his left knee and hand, Police Inspector Kenneth Lack said.

Utility worker Lee Snoddy, 38, of Turkey Creek, La., witnessed the incident and immediately sprang into action.

Lack said Snoddy jumped out of his truck, chased Maher about a block and got the purse back.

Snoddy's colleagues -- Brent Bernard, 45, of Louisiana and Robbie Jarman, of Mississippi -- then tackled Maher and held him until police arrived.

Maher has been charged with two counts of second-degree robbery.

The victim's husband was treated and released from a local hospital.

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