59-year-old victim of violent Vancouver purse snatching saved by Good Samaritan
Vancouver police are praising a Good Samaritan for his help in the arrest of an alleged purse-snatcher.
On March 18, just before 4 p.m., a 59-year-old woman was at West 8th Avenue and Spruce Street, using a walker.
A 41-year-old man reportedly grabbed her purse. The woman fell to the ground, resulting in some minor injuries.
A driver saw the incident occur, stopped his vehicle, and chased the suspect. After he caught up, the suspect allegedly had a knife and threatened him, but ultimately dropped the purse before fleeing.
The witness went back to the scene with the purse and gave police a description of the suspect.
“Thanks to this description, our officers located the suspect moments later near the seawall,” said Constable Megan Lui.
“We commend this Good Samaritan for assisting the victim, and are thankful there were no further injuries.”
The suspect was charged with one count of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and is currently in custody.
If you witnessed the incident, police are asking you to contact investigators at 604-717-3321.