Port Alberni RCMP say an 85-year-old man in a wheelchair fought off a woman who was trying to steal his wallet.
The incident was still in progress Sept. 12 when police were called, with several witnesses reporting that the man was being assaulted by the woman and was calling out for help.
The woman fled on foot with some of the man’s belongings.
Police tracked a suspect down a short distance away and recovered the belongings in a nearby parking lot.
“This unnerving incident is rare in Port Alberni and I want to thank the public for their actions in identifying [the suspect] and calling the police,” said Port Alberni Cpl. Aaron Aasen. “We could not have caught this suspect without their quick response.”
Tashina Aday, 29, has been charged with robbery, assault and breach of probation. She remains in custody and is scheduled for her next court appearance Oct. 9.
