New London — Witnesses said a group of good Samaritans helped tackle a man who was stealing purses from Monica’s State Street Diner during lunch hour Friday.

Renee Houle said the man tried to steal her friend’s purse, but her friend hung on to it. He then grabbed another purse, she said.

Two patrons from Monica’s chased after the man as he ran around the corner to Eugene O’Neill Drive. They yelled to people exiting Copperwood Grill, some of who tackled the man.

Police were called, and they arrived and took the man to the police station.