TUCSON, Ariz. — New video released by Arizona police on Tuesday shows bystanders thwarting a suspect from robbing a 70-year-old man at a fast-food restaurant in Tucson, authorities said.
According to the Tucson Police Department, the incident occurred on July 9. Officers responded after receiving a call about an attempted robbery, KSAZ reported.
Investigators said a 34-year-old man followed the older man into the restaurant and attempted to steal a backpack that was in the victim’s walker, according to the television station.
During the struggle, the victim fell to the ground, police said.
“Three bystanders intervened, and the suspect fled the scene,” a caption accompanying the video read. “Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect and his direction of travel. Within minutes, officers located the suspect nearby and took him into custody.”
The men confronted the suspect and attempted to throw punches, causing him to drop the backpack, KSAZ reported.
The men briefly yelled before the suspect fled the scene. The video showed two men helping the victim pick up his belongings off the floor.
The victim was injured and was treated at the fast-food restaurant.
Police caught up to the suspect and arrested him. The man was booked into jail and was charged with attempted robbery.
“This incident highlights how community members and officers work together to help keep Tucson safe,” Tucson police said in a statement. “Thank you to the witnesses who provided information that helped officers quickly locate the suspect.”
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