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He picked the wrong wallet

Albany police say a 22-year-old woman (a UAlbany rugby player) chased and tackled the man who allegedly stole her wallet off a table at a restaurant at Quail and Western in Albany last night (map). A bystander saw the scuffle on the street and called 911. The APD says the woman had the man pinned to the ground when officers arrived. (Full release after the jump.)

APD: woman tackles robber

Albany police arrested a 48 year old South Pearl Street man last evening for robbery after his victim chased him down, tackled him and held him until officers arrived.

Michelle Williamson, 22, was sitting inside a restaurant at Quail Street and Western Avenue at 6:40 p.m. when Antonio Lucas walked up to her table and grabbed her wallet off the table. Lucas then ran outside the restaurant. Williamson ran outside after him and tried to retrieve her wallet. When she did Lucas grabbed her and threw her to the ground.

He then fled east on Western Avenue on foot. Williamson chased after him, caught up to him and then tackled him to the ground. A passerby saw her struggling with him and called 911. When officers arrived Williamson had Lucas pinned to the ground.

He was taken into custody and charged with Robbery 2nd and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.

Williamson sustained abrasions to her arms and hips and a contusion to her head. She was treated at the scene.

By the way: The woman has the same name as a UAlbany women's rugby player. If it's the same person, that guy really picked the wrong wallet. Update: It is the same person -- from a comment: "She's one of our best players and has been a starter for 3 years, definitely not a girl I would want to steal a wallet from."

Update: The Saint Rose Chronicle talked with Williamson about the incident.