The image of a suspect posted on Facebook allowed police to make an arrest Sunday in connection with a violent purse-snatching in downtown Victoria the day before.
A caller saw the image and contacted Victoria police, who arrested an 18-year-old man at his Saanich home, said Const. Mike Russell.
The police department spokesperson used social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter, to ask for the public’s help on Saturday, after an 80-year-old woman’s purse was grabbed as she walked near Fort and Langley streets around 5 p.m.
She was thrown to the ground in the process, and suffered minor injuries.
Several people in the area chased the suspect to the Bay Centre, where he escaped, but not before security cameras caught him on tape, Russell said.
Police are recommending a robbery charge against the man. He was scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
