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.
At approximately 7:30 am on Thursday, September 12, 2019, the victim, who is a 19-year-old man with physical disabilities and a wheelchair user, was on board the 96 B-Line bus, which travels from Guildford Mall Exchange to Newton Exchange.
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.
After a brief struggle, the victim, who is paralyzed in one hand, could no longer hold on and the suspect was able to rip the phone from his grip and step off the bus. He attempted to yell for help, but unfortunately, the bus operator was unable to hear him.
The victim was on his way 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.
Given the circumstances, the officers investigating this file helped to pay off the outstanding debt on the phone, in order for the victim to acquire a new phone.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian female of undetermined age, approximately 5’4 “-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.
We need your help identifying a suspect who allegedly stole a phone from a young man with disabilities on the bus. I want to thank the @TransitPolice officers who stepped up to pay the existing phone debt. Have info? Call 604.516.7419 or text 87.77.77https://t.co/gCZP8YKGnx pic.twitter.com/uSeYhxnSpB
— Sgt. Clint Hampton (@SgtCHampton) September 25, 2019
It is extremely troubling and hard to understand what would lead someone to commit an act like this. 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 us using the code 87-77-77 and refer to file 2019-16866.