Witness intervenes in Vancouver purse-snatching, suspect charged

A 41-year-old man has been charged after an alleged purse-snatching in Vancouver that left a 59-year-old woman with minor injuries, according to a police release.

The incident occurred Wednesday shortly before 4 p.m. near West 8th Avenue and Spruce Street. Police say the woman, who was using a walker, was approached by a man who allegedly grabbed her purse, causing her to fall to the ground.

A passing driver witnessed the incident, stopped, and pursued the suspect on foot. During the chase, the suspect allegedly threatened the witness with a knife before dropping the purse and fleeing the area.

The witness returned the purse to the victim and provided a detailed description to officers. Police say that information led to the suspect’s arrest a short time later near the seawall.

“Thanks to this description, our officers located the suspect moments later,” Const. Megan Lui said in the release, adding that police are “thankful there were no further injuries.”

Brandon Cormack, 41, has been charged with one count of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and remains in custody.