By Jim Clark

While on detail with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, a Medford police officer reportedly witnessed a man taking a purse from a parked work truck last Friday afternoon in the vicinity of 18 Medford St.

The suspect, identified as Wayne Leary, 28, of Revere, was reportedly observed taking the purse and rummaging through it as he walked away from the vehicle.

The officer on the scene said that he watched as Leary removed a small wallet from the purse, at which time he stopped the man and ordered him to sit on the ground as he was being questioned.

Somerville police officers were dispatched to the scene to participate in the investigation.

Leary reportedly told the officers that he had made a stupid decision to steal the purse and that he was very sorry. He further stated that he was on his way home from work, that he knew what he did was wrong, and that he did not want to go to jail, according to reports.

He reportedly explained to the officers that the only reason he took the purse was that he was desperate for cash.

Leary was placed under arrest and charged with felony daytime breaking and entering of a vehicle or boat.