A Port Moody man has been arrested and charged for an alleged iPhone robbery in September.
On Sept. 10 at about 4 a.m., an 18-year-old man went to McDonald's on North Road near Austin Avenue, listening to music on his black iPhone 4. As he approached the entrance, two men allegedly walked up to him.
According to police, one of the suspects said, "Let me use your phone" and grabbed the phone out of the teen's hand. Both suspects left the scene and headed west with the phone towards Burnaby.
The victim and an unidentified passerby chased the pair and lost sight of them near Lougheed SkyTrain station.
After the story was printed by local media, Coquitlam RCMP began receiving tips and one of the suspects was identified.
Port Moody resident Ramiz Diryas, 21, was arrested and criminally charged with one count of theft under $5,000.
"Everyone in the community plays a part in improving public safety. This investigation is one of the many examples which clearly illustrates that the help from the media and the public is an important part in making our community safer," said Cpl. Jamie Chung in a press release.
"We are sincerely appreciative of the partnership we have established and maintained throughout the years with the media, and residents of Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam."
Diryas is scheduled to appear in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court on March 21.
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