Collingswood Police Collar Alleged Chain-Snatcher

A jogger out for a midday run on South Park drive found an extra spring in his step when an 18-year-old homeless man reportedly ripped a chain necklace from his neck and fled.

At 12:30 p.m. on June 25, Collingswood police were called to the boat ramp launch on the south bank of Cooper River Park to meet with the victim.

The man reported that he had been out for a run around Cooper River Park when another man who appeared to be jogging grabbed the chain from around his neck and fled into the wooded area near Knight and Madison Aves.

Police cordoned off the area and brought in K-9 units from the Camden County Sheriff's Department.

A short time later, they apprehended Xzavier Williams, an 18-year-old homeless man "originally from out of state," said Collingswood Police Chief Richard Sarlo.

Williams was charged with robbery, theft and resisting arrest, and was remanded to the Camden County correctional facility in lieu of bail. He had allegedly thrown the chain into a brushy area, but it was recovered and returned.

Incidents like these don't happen often, Sarlo told Patch.

"It's a rarity," he said. "There was a lady there with a cell phone who was close by, and police responded immediately."