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
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Thousands are expected to rally on Washington's National Mall in support of Palestinian rights
Thousands of protesters are expected to turn out for a rally in the American capital Saturday in support of Palestinian rights and an immediate end to Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Hundreds walk backwards in downtown Montreal to symbolize the decline of LGBTQ2S+ rights
On Friday, hundreds gathered and walked backwards in the heart of Montreal to honour the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
Jesus is their savior, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
Video appears to show Sean 'Diddy' Combs beating singer Cassie in hotel hallway in 2016
Security video aired by CNN appears to show Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016.