The notorious hit-and-run killer who was named B.C.'s most wanted car thief of 2011 has been arrested again in connection to a string of high-end phone thefts.
Vancouver police say 25-year-old Xiao "Sean" Zhang, who made headlines in 2006 after killing a tourist with his car and fleeing the scene, is facing 33 counts including fraud, theft, robbery and driving offences.
Const. Lindsey Houghton said the phone thefts date back to fall 2010 and involved a man who dressed as a courier and approached homes that had recently had expensive handhelds delivered.
"The ‘courier' would tell the victim that the phone was delivered in error, and would ask for it back," Houghton said.
"The ‘courier' would reassure the victim that the correct phone was on the way before leaving, never to be seen again. The unwary victim soon realized that they just had their phone stolen."
A number of victims came forward, but police believe there may be more out there and are asking anyone who hasn't contacted authorities to do so.
Houghton said finding Zhang was a challenge because he has no address and was allegedly using someone else's ID. He was eventually arrested on Nov. 18.
There were 13 pending criminal charges against him prior to Zhang's most recent arrest, and he was wanted on warrants for theft, possession of stolen property, obstructing a police offer and driving while disqualified.
Zhang was convicted in 2007 of running down Dr. David Higgins of New Zealand at a Vancouver intersection then leaving the scene as the victim lay dying.
Two witnesses chased Zhang down into Kitsilano, and he was eventually sentenced to 11 months in prison.
Houghton said Zhang will be held in custody until his next court appearance on December 14.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Vancouver Police Department's property crime unit at 604-717-3912 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 if they wish to remain anonymous.
