PADAWAN: Swift and selfless actions by road users successfully foiled an attempt by two men to snatch an elderly woman’s handbag at Taman Desa Wira, Batu Kawa on Monday (April 22).
The incident went viral on social media after a 1-minute dashcam footage depicting the crime unfolding around 7.55am.
In the clip, one of the assailants can be seen grappling with the victim’s handbag by the roadside while another was on a motorcycle that was seemingly ready to make a quick escape.
Reacting to the incident, two vehicles managed to abruptly blocked the suspects’ motorcycle and prevented their getaway. Several members of the public got out of their vehicles to try and apprehend the thieves.
It was reported that one of the suspects was apprehended by the public and the other managed to flee the scene.
Members of the public managed to hand over the apprehended suspect and the motorcycle to the police for further action.
Acting Padawan police chief DSP Lim Jaw Shyong when contacted, confirmed the case and that it is still under investigation.
“The victim, who is in her late 50s, only sustained minor cuts and scratches in the incident, and did not sustain any serious injuries.
“Investigations found that the suspects are both locals in their 20s and the detained suspect will be remanded to facilitate investigations.
“Efforts are underway to locate and arrest the other suspect, who is still at large,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt while committing a robbery.
DSP Lim also extended his gratitude to the community for their swift and heroic actions in preventing the crime, and they are welcomed to channel any information to aid the police in the case.
