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Alleged Walgreen's Purse Snatcher Held Without Bail

Taylor Matkivich, 26, of Lawrence, is facing charges of unarmed robbery of a person over 65 and trespassing

A Massachusetts man is being held without bail for allegedly robbing a 94-year-old woman in the parking lot of a Walgreen's pharmacy in Lawrence on Wednesday.

Taylor Matkivich, 26, of Lawrence, was arraigned Thursday in Lawrence District Court on charges of unarmed robbery of a person over 65 and trespassing.

Police said they responded to the Walgreen's on South Broadway just before 2 p.m. Wednesday for a report of an unarmed robbery. Authorities said the victim had been sitting in a vehicle waiting for her daughter, who was in the store at the time, when Matkivich snatched her purse.

"He opened the passenger door," explained the victim's daughter. "She struggled for a bit trying to keep her pocket book."

A description of the suspect and surveillance video from new city cameras helped police track Matkivich down within minutes. Police said he was attempting to flee the scene along nearby railroad tracks.

Police said when Matkivich was taken into custody, the contents of victim's purse were still inside.

The elderly victim was not injured.

"She was very shook up," said the victim's daughter. "It is sad and it's a problem in the city of Lawrence and no matter where you - go all these stores - there's always a panhandler or somebody around. You have to be very careful."

Outside court Thursday, Matkivich's brother Anthony told NBC10 Boston that Matkivich needs held for an alleged drug problem.

"He has a little drug problem and stuff he needs to get help," said Anthony Matkivich. "I don't agree with what he did but everyone goes through their own problems. He made a mistake hopefully he gets help."

Matkivich is due back in court for a dangerousness hearing on Friday.

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