SHAH ALAM: A nine-month pregnant woman ran 50 metres to foil a snatch thief who snatched her handbag while she was in the toilet at a supermarket in Section 23, here last night.
The rapid reaction of the 37-year-old mother of two paid off when the 22-year-old suspect was chased down with help from members of the public who responded to the victim's scream that sounded like a police siren in hot pursuit.
Shah Alam police chief ACP Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said police received a report about the dramatic episode from the woman who worked as a factory operator at 10.57pm.
He said in the incident, the victim had gone to the supermarket alone to shop for maternity items to welcome the birth of her third child.
"While the victim was in the women's toilet, she realised that someone snatched her bag pack hung on the door of the cubicle.
The victim scrambled out of the toilet to give chase and her cries for help alerted the crowd around to stop the frantic suspect who was caught red-handed with the victim's bag pack, he said here today.
He said the expectant mother was fortunately unharmed as she is close to labour and was now safely at the Shah Alam Hospital, waiting to deliver of her baby.
Mohd Iqbal said the theft suspect who works at a water filter company has four past records related to crime and drugs.
"The suspect is now remanded for three days (until May 2) and investigated under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft which can lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine if convicted," he said.
People with more information about the incident are urged to contact the assistant investigating officer, Sergeant Muhammad Fairunizam Puasa, at 013-6616845 to assist investigations. – BERNAMA