Richmond RCMP arrested a male suspect in an alleged purse attempted purse snatching in city centre after the victim was distracted by a woman.
On Thursday, Feb. 6, shortly after 10:15 p.m., Richmond RCMP responded to the 8300 block of Lansdowne Road for a reported theft in progress and that the suspect was being held by two good Samaritans.
Richmond RCMP frontline officers arrived on scene and took the suspect into custody.
In speaking with the victim, officers learned she had just returned to her vehicle when a woman knocked on her car window and pointed out the victim’s tire had been punctured.
When the victim exited to check the tire, the male suspect approached and allegedly grabbed her purse from the front seat.
The victim said she verbally confronted the suspect, at which point he dropped the purse and started to run, which is when the good Samaritans intervened and called 9-1-1.
Police believe there may be other suspects involved in the incident, said Cpl. Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP media relations officer.
She is cautioning the public to be vigilant if someone approaches your car.
“Keep your vehicle locked and assess the situation from inside seeking help from a trusted source if needed,” she said.
“If you feel unsafe, call 9-1-1.”
“We commend the good Samaritans who came to the victim’s assistance and promptly called 9-1-1. Their swift action was instrumental in enabling our frontline officers’ quick response,” O’Malley added.
Based on the investigation, Richmond RCMP believes other people may have been involved in the offence.
Police have seen similar distraction thefts in the past escalate into a series of incidents.
Marco Bryans Neyra Sanchez has been charged with one count of theft in the Feb. 6 incident.
Richmond RCMP is asking anyone who may have information or have witnessed this incident to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file number 2025-4135.
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