Bystanders assisted in grabbing a thief in the act and holding him for police.

State police at Fern Ridge said the incident occurred at 4:10 p.m. Tuesday at the Weis Market, at 924 Weir Lake Road, in Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County.

Troopers said Dennis Kowalski, 28, of Stroudsburg, came up behind a 67-year-old woman from Effort, and grabbed her purse and ran. The victim fell to the ground but was not injured.

Kowalski was tackled to the ground by bystanders and detained until troopers arrived.

He was taken into custody and charged with robbery and related offenses.