Dramatic police chase in HCMC after thieves snatch foreigners’ bag

October 06, 2014 | 09:33

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Police in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested two young men who snatched a handbag from two foreigners in downtown District 1 on Friday.

Le Hoang, 27, and Truong Thai Ngoc, 23, were detained yesterday on charges of “property theft by snatching,” pursuant to Article 136 of the Penal Code, the district police said.

Hoang has a previous conviction on charges of murder, while Ngoc has already been convicted of theft.

The victims were both foreigners – a man and a woman – whose names have not been announced.

Around mid-day yesterday, while patrolling on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street in Pham Ngu Lao Ward, a motorcycle police team followed two suspicious men on a motorbike.

When they reached the intersection of Nguyen Thai Hoc and Pham Ngu Lao Street, the two men approached the foreigners who were walking together, and Ngoc snatched a bag from the woman.

Hoang then sped away while the police team pursued them.

During the chase, Ngoc threw his helmet at the police officers, while Hoang continued at full speed.

One of the officers fired a shot into the air to warn them. Hoang then slowed down so Ngoc could get off the bike and run towards 23/9 Park with the bag in his hands.

The officers continued to pursue both thieves and, with the help of passers-by, arrested Ngoc in the park.

Meanwhile, other officers caught up with Hoang and kicked him off the bike. Hoang tried to run away, but he was caught as well.