Vancouver police release video, photos of purse-snatching suspect
Vancouver police are asking for the public's help identifying a suspect in connection to a string of purse thefts in the city over the past couple of months.
"This man is a suspect in a number of robberies and attempted robberies of women throughout the city," Vancouver Police Department Const. Tania Visintin said in a news release Thursday. "Throughout our investigation, we have obtained clear video and pictures of the suspect, and we're asking anyone who knows him to come forward."
Police say a 47-year-old woman was approached from behind by a man who tried to rip her bag off her arm while she was walking near Pender and Hamilton streets around 6 p.m. on Feb. 5.
The woman fell to the ground, but managed to hold onto her bag and call police. The suspect had already fled by the time officers arrived on scene.
Three weeks later, on March 15, a 31-year-old woman reported that she was being followed for several blocks by a man she didn't know near East 1st Avenue and Renfrew Street.
"As he got closer to her, he approached from behind and used a large knife to cut her purse strap," police said. "After a brief struggle, the suspect fled with the purse."
Investigators released surveillance video of the suspect getting onto a bus and walking outside a building on March 15.
The suspect is described as a man between 25 and 35 years old, with a medium build, dark hair, a dark moustache and a beard.
He was wearing a dark-coloured Nike sweat suit, black-and-white runners and a Toronto Raptors ball cap.
Police said they're also looking into possible links to other unsolved purse snatchings.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to call VPD at 604-717-0610.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Chad Daybell sentenced to death for killing wife and girlfriend’s two children in jury decision
Jurors resumed deliberations Saturday on whether a man should be sentenced to death after being convicted days earlier of the murders of his wife and his girlfriend’s two youngest children in Idaho.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by train in Brockville, Ont.
Brockville Police says a pedestrian has died following a collision with a train that was heading to Toronto.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
Lanny McDonald and a few old Flames take the Stanley Cup on a surprise visit to the man who saved his life
The Stanley Cup was passing through town Friday, and Lanny Legend took it upon himself to take it for a surprise visit.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey
Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.