Metro Vancouver Transit Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who allegedly stole a mobile phone from a young man with physical disabilities.
A video of the incident and a photo of the suspect are posted below.
At approximately 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, the victim - who is a 19-year-old man with physical disabilities, was on the 96 B-Line bus, which travels from Guildford Mall Exchange to Newton Exchange, said a transit police news release.
As the bus stopped in the area of 80th Avenue and King George Boulevard in Surrey, a woman approached the man and quickly grabbed his mobile phone, which he was holding in front of him, report authorities.
The victim, who is paralyzed in one hand, was unable to keep hold of his phone, so following a brief struggle the suspect was able to grab the device and exit the bus.
Though the teen called out for help, the bus driver was unable to hear him.
Transit Police add that the teen had been in transit to a program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, where he is working toward improving his independence and job skills.
His mobile phone meant a great deal to him as the large screen of the iPhone 6S helped make texting and reading easier for him.
The officers investigating this crime were moved by the teen's plight, and ended up paying off the victim's outstanding debt on the stolen device, in order for him to get himself a new phone.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian female of undetermined age, approximately 5'4" to 5'5", with a slim build and blonde hair. The suspect was wearing a brown hoodie with green designs, brown/green running tights and green running shoes.
Anyone with information about the identity of this suspect, or who witnessed this incident, is asked to contact the Transit Police tip line at 604-516-7419 or text them using the code 87-77-77 and refer to file 2019-16866.
- With reporting from Vancouver Is Awesome
