According to police, the woman was walking to her vehicle around 6:15 p.m., Tuesday, July 30, outside of JC Penney's at the Poughkeepsie Galleria, when Ethan J. Awaise, of Los Angeles, approached her and attempted to forcibly take her purse and shopping bag, said Town of Poughkeepsie Police Capt. Kevin Faber.
The woman managed to fight off Awaise, who then fled the area. When police arrived the woman was able to provide a description and Awaise was found inside the Galleria, Faber said.
He was charged with attempted robbery and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $20,000 cash/$40,000 bond. Awaise is scheduled to return to court on August 2.
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