A suspect who grabbed a woman in a West Hartford parking lot was apprehended by police Friday morning.

By Ronni Newton

Police have arrested and charged a man who grabbed a woman and stole her wallet in the parking lot of a West Hartford shopping center on Friday morning.

According to information provided by Sgt. Amanda Martin, police responded to the parking lot in front of Pretty Woman at 36 Kane Street after receiving a report that a male suspect had grabbed a 23-year-old female, using physical force to steal her wallet.

The victim sustained minor injuries resulting from the incident, police said.

Police were advised that the suspect had fled into a nearby wooded area, and units were able to set up a perimeter and also deployed a K-9 team.

According to police, the suspect, identified as Francha Francis, 28, of Park Street in Hartford, was quickly taken into custody and has been charged with third-degree robbery, fourth-degree larceny, third-degree assault, and second-degree breach of peace.

The victim’s wallet was recovered, police said.

Francis is currently in custody, being held on $100,000 surety bond, police said.

According to online court records, Francis has previously been found guilty of charges that include interfering with an officer, breach of peace, larceny, motor vehicle offenses, and probation violation, for which he has served sentences.

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