Vancouver police are crediting the quick work of several witnesses with helping end an hour-long crime spree Tuesday afternoon in East Vancouver.
Officers arrested a 23-year-old Calgary man following a short crime spree that saw him allegedly snatch a purse, steal a van and rob a restaurant before being apprehended by witnesses.
It all started at around 3:20 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street and East King Edward. A 64-year-old woman was standing at the intersection when someone grabbed her purse from behind. A struggle ensued and the woman fell to the ground before the thief ran off with her purse.
The woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
About five minutes later, someone stole a 1999 Toyota van after it was left running on Main Street near East 19th Avenue.
At around 4:25 p.m., a man was standing in line at a restaurant on Kingsway Avenue near Fraser Street. When the cash register opened, he allegedly reached in and grabbed cash from the till. Witnesses chased the suspect and were eventually able to catch and hold him until police arrived.
Two of the witnesses received minor injuries in the altercation.
The suspect remains in custody and is facing charges of robbery, theft, assault, assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm.
