Bystanders Catch Suspect in Purse Theft

A visitor from Alaska, who heard a woman’s cry for help when her purse was snatched near Disneyland, ran down the suspect and was stabbed in the leg Sunday, but three others who joined the pursuit held the suspect until police came, authorities said.

Lawrence J. Jacobson, 39, of Palmer, Alaska, was treated at the scene by paramedics for a minor stab wound to his left thigh, Police Lt. Jack Parra said.

The suspect--identified as Charles Kimberly Featherson, 21, and described as a transient--was booked into Anaheim City Jail on suspicion of grand theft and assault with a deadly weapon, Parra said. At about 2 p.m. Sunday, Kay Biernack, 56, of San Marcos and her husband were walking at Harbor Boulevard and Freedman Way, police said. Parra said the suspect grabbed Biernack’s purse and ran.

Jacobson and three others heard Biernack scream. They chased the suspect and a struggle ensued, Parra said.

The suspect stabbed Jacobson, but the others held him until police arrived, Parra said.