Prosecutors: Purse thief cause of miscarriage

ASBURY PARK, N.J. (AP) — Prosecutors say a New Jersey woman tried to rob an expectant mother of her purse, causing her to miscarry.

Margaret Vannell was arrested last month after police say she robbed a pregnant woman in Asbury Park and pulled her to the ground.

Police say the women struggled on the ground over a purse.

A criminal complaint states that the fight left the pregnant woman injured and caused her to miscarry.

An aggravated assault charge was filed against the 34-year-old Vannell last week in Asbury Park. Records show the Jackson woman is being jailed on bail.

Vannell is expected in court next month. It wasn’t immediately known if she has an attorney who can comment on the charge.