A 55-year-old woman, who walks with assistance of a cane, had her purse taken by force in broad daylight outside Seymour Library in Auburn Friday, police reported.

The cooperation of several witnesses - and the fast relay of information over emergency radios - helped Auburn police capture a suspect within 10 minutes.

Police said the woman was approached at 12:19 p.m. at the main entrance of the 176 Genesee St. library by a man on a bicycle who forcibly took her purse and rode off toward the area of Pomeroy Park.

A description of the robber provided by witnesses was broadcast over police radios as officers began searching for the man.

First, police said, a woman walking her dog about three blocks away told police she had earlier seen a man who partially matched the suspect's description leaving her 23 Chedell Place apartment building on a bike and riding toward Elizabeth Street.

A TLC Ambulance employee then called 911 to report seeing a suspicious-looking bicyclist - riding quickly and sweating profusely - heading toward Elizabeth Street.

Shortly after that, police said, Sgt. David Buckingham, a

community policing/school resource officer who was listening to the radio broadcasts detained a suspect on Owasco Street, less than a mile from Seymour Library. Police said the suspect was later identified by witnesses of the robbery.

David J. Humphrey Jr., 23, of 120 Osbourne St. Apt. 3, was charged with third-degree robbery, a felony. As of 5:45 p.m. Friday, Humphrey was being held pending arraignment.

Police recovered the purse and all of its contents from a laundry room at the Chedell Place apartment complex. Police said the robbery victim had no cash, credit cards and any other valuables in her purse.