A Mount Sinai man has been indicted after prosecutors say he dragged a woman across a Port Jefferson shopping center parking lot while stealing her purse before leading police on a high-speed chase through Suffolk County.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Mark Callahan, 53, of Mount Sinai, was indicted on charges of second-degree robbery and unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle following the February incident.
District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said the case began as an attempted purse theft but quickly escalated into a violent encounter.
“This indictment sends a clear message that in Suffolk County, we will not tolerate violent acts that threaten the safety and security of our residents,” Tierney said. “What began as an attempted purse theft escalated into a terrifying ordeal for this victim.”
Woman Dragged Across Shopping Center Parking Lot
Investigators say the incident happened February 18, 2026, at about 1 p.m. in the TJ Maxx/ShopRite shopping center parking lot on Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson.
According to prosecutors, the victim was walking from her car toward a nail salon when Callahan allegedly pulled up in a black Chevrolet Suburban, jumped out, and grabbed the strap of her pocketbook.
Authorities say the woman refused to let go and struggled with the suspect. Callahan allegedly climbed back into the driver’s seat while still holding the purse and began driving away.
As the vehicle moved, the victim held onto the purse and was dragged across the pavement before eventually being forced to release it, investigators said. Callahan then allegedly fled with the pocketbook.
Police Chase Reaches 90 MPH
Officers from the Suffolk County Police Department responded and located the suspect vehicle, triggering a pursuit.
Prosecutors said Callahan allegedly drove more than 90 miles per hour before crashing through a snow embankment into a parking lot and striking another vehicle.
When officers approached the vehicle, Callahan allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed himself 11 times in the abdomen, authorities said.
The victim was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital with abrasions to her arm and leg. Police later recovered her pocketbook along the pursuit route.
Court Proceedings
Callahan, who pled not guilty in court, was arraigned on March 4, 2026.
He was ordered held on:
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$250,000 cash bail
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$500,000 bond
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$2.5 million partially secured bond
If convicted on the top charge, Callahan faces up to 15 years in prison.
His next court appearance is scheduled for March 23, 2026.
Authorities remind the public that criminal charges are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
