Victoria police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a male suspect wanted in connection with a violent purse-snatching in downtown Victoria late Saturday afternoon.
An 80-year-old woman was walking at the corner of Fort and Langley streets around 5 p.m. when a male drew near and grabbed her purse, throwing her to the ground in the process, Victoria police spokesperson Const. Mike Russell said in a statement.
The elderly woman suffered minor injuries, and was “understandably shaken by this event,” he said.
Several bystanders chased the suspect when he fled the scene on foot.
“The chase proceeded into the Bay Center mall where security footage shows the man tossing his jacket aside in an apparent attempt to change his appearance,” Russell said. “The footage also shows the suspect leaving the mall a short time later.”
A search for the man at the shopping centre turned up empty.
The suspect is described as six-feet tall, with a medium build, short, dark hair and some facial hair. He also has a prominent scar on his face.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Victoria Police Department’s non-emergency line at 25-995-7654. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
