Social media frenzy helps nab alleged north Nanaimo purse snatcher Mar 13, 2019 11:08 AM

NANAIMO — An outpouring of tips helped police arrest a man allegedly responsible for a brazen purse-snatching in Nanaimo’s north-end.

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said the suspect, a 48-year-old Nanaimo man, was arrested without incident Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the city’s downtown area.

O’Brien said a continuous stream of useful information flooded their detachment from various means after the story went public earlier in the day.

“Within about three or four hours the individual was identified, arrested and taken into custody.”