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.
