NATCHEZ — With the help of an eyewitness, police officers arrested a Natchez man for the burglary of a vehicle Monday morning.

Crystal Rose Jr., 29, 10 Reba Christian Road, was reportedly seen on Main Street breaking a car window with a claw hammer. The victim of the break-in saw Rose reach into the car, steal a purse and then walk to North Canal Street, according to Police Chief Mike Mullins.

The witness then alerted Natchez police, who spotted Rose on the corner of Jefferson and North Wall streets.

Rose then led officers on a foot chase through several backyards on High Street until he was finally apprehended on Pearl Street.

Rose was caught with the contents of the purse, including an MP3 player and three gift cards, plus three bags of marijuana and a claw hammer, Mullins said.

Officers retrieved the empty purse on High Street.

Rose remains in jail with no bond until his arraignment.

He is currently on probation for a prior auto burglary in 2008.

Police are currently investigating whether Rose is connected to several recent downtown car burglaries.