Police Capture Alleged Waltham Purse Snatcher

Waltham Police have arrested a Melrose man whom they believe committed three recent purse snatchings in downtown Waltham.

Jameson Morelli, 23, of 20 Mystic Ave., Melrose, was arrested on Jan. 7 and charged with unarmed robbery on a person over 60 and assault and battery on a person over 60, according to Waltham Police. Police believe he committed the Dec. 20 purse snatching during which a 73-year-old Waltham woman was thrown to the ground in front of 880 Main St.

Morelli, who previously lived on Russell Street in Waltham near where the robberies occurred, was arrested on Bartlett Street in Malden, according to Waltham Police Sgt. Tim King.

Police believe Morelli was also involved in two other recent purse snatchings in the same area, both of which occurred outside of Gordon’s Fine Wine & Liquors on Main Street. Police are seeking charges against Morelli for both incidents.

Morelli was arraigned at Waltham District Court on Jan. 8 and held without bail, according to police. Morelli is scheduled for a Feb. 8 hearing.

Morelli, along with his brother, Nicholas, were both arrested on Jan. 4 for allegedly stealing donuts, granola bars and two turnovers rom Hannaford Supermarket on Main Street, according to King. The pair gave the turnovers to police, King said. Both men face a charge of shoplifting by asportation in the Hannaford arrest. 

INVESTIGATION

Immediately after one of the purse snatchings, police stopped Jameson Morelli in the area of Russell Street after officers noticed he matched the description given by witnesses, King said. At point, police did not arrest him because they did not have enough information, King said.

Acting Waltham Police Chief Keith MacPherson hailed the officers for their work on the case.

“Due to the violent nature of the attacks, and the injuries suffered by elderly citizens, we dedicated a number of patrol officers and detectives to handle these cases. The hard work displayed by all of these officers to bring this individual to justice is reflective of the values of the Waltham Police Department. I want to thank all involved for their efforts to protect the citizens of Waltham,” MacPherson said in a statement.