Belle Bests Purse Snatching Beast

Anchorage police said Emily Behny, 24, plays the role of Belle in the ongoing production of "Beauty and the Beast" and fell victim to a purse thief Friday afternoon.

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By CBS 11 News
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An actress preparing for her role in a major stage production became the victim of a theft at a local store  Friday afternoon.

Anchorage police said Emily Behny, 24, plays the role of Belle in the ongoing production of "Beauty and the Beast" and was shopping at Fred Meyers on Dimond Boulevard when her purse was snatched by 45-year-old Jose Caballero.

According to several witnesses, Caballero fled the store on foot, chased by Behny and several store employees.

Kelsey Hall was waiting for a friend in the parking lot when she said she saw Caballero run out of the store with her friend in pursuit.

After chasing Caballero across the parking lot and down the road, Hall said they were able to stop him near the intersection of Victor Drive and Sea Parrot Circle.

"I just drove around the parking lot, back and forth like a maniac," Hall said, recounting the chase.

Police arrived at the scene soon after, the purse was retrieved and Behny was able to make her 8 p.m curtain call at the Performing Arts Center.

Caballero was arraigned today on charges of second degree theft.

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Sharlwin said on Saturday, Jan 14 at 8:38 PM

No way, Jose! Unfortunate it had to happen to a visiting performer. Everyone beware- Do NOT leave your purse in a shopping cart unattended! Not even for a second!! This is the old "shopping cart theft" trick.

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Stillat311 said on Saturday, Jan 14 at 11:22 PM

Is there more than one Jose Caballero in Anchorage? The one I know I can't picture stealing purses and I think he is about 57. Have any pictures of this guy?

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typical said on Sunday, Jan 15 at 11:28 AM

What a POS. Why am I not surprised. There is no lower (for the most part) than a thief.

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Sharlwin said on Sunday, Jan 15 at 12:45 PM

I read more details in the ADN story and, apparently, she did not leave her purse in an unattended cart. According to the ADN- she was carrying it in a basket around her arm. Most likely, he was trolling the store looking for a good target- instead he got a run for his (or her) money!!

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Rick said on Sunday, Jan 15 at 1:52 PM

Sounds like another issue for immigration to handle!

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trust said on Sunday, Jan 15 at 8:05 PM

hmm...dear G_d help this man..and bless this lady..

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The Best? said on Tuesday, Jan 17 at 6:40 PM

I remember the offering to the tax payer. If you want quality police, you have to pay for it. Not so sure if this argument has worked out. Welcome to the 5th most violent city in the nation. Its time to Constitutionally remove unions from our police forces.

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