Good Samaritans Nab Transient Suspected of Pickpocketing Elderly Man

Police officials are crediting two Good Samaritans for catching a homeless man who allegedly tried to steal a wallet from an 85-year-old man shopping for groceries.

According to police, the victim tried to retrieve his wallet, which had been pulled from his back pocket, but the subject fought back and they engaged in a physical altercation inside the Safeway located at 1790 Decoto Rd. on Tuesday night.

“A witness saw the struggle and intervened at which time the subject started running out of the store,” Lt. Haselton said in a statement. “Another witness saw this and tackled the subject and detained him until police arrived.”

When officers arrived, they found the Good Samaritans holding the suspect down on the ground. Officers arrested Theodore Levy, 48, on suspicion of robbery and battery and booked him at Fremont Jail. The victim, who sustained minor injuries during the attack, was treated and released at the scene.

“The quick action of the witnesses to assist the elderly man resulted in the quick apprehension of the suspect,” Haselton said.

Photo courtesy Union City Police