A 21-year-old Port Moody man is facing charges for allegedly stealing an iPhone last fall from someone outside the McDonald's on North Road in Coquitlam.
The victim was entering the restaurant at around 4 a.m. on Sept. 10 when two men approached him. One of the suspects asked if he could use the phone before snatching it out of the victim's hand and fleeing the scene. A passer-by and the victim chased after the alleged thieves but lost track of them near the Lougheed SkyTrain Station.
On Tuesday, Coquitlam RCMP announced charges against Ramiz Diryas, who is facing one count of theft under $5,000 resulting from the incident.
After the police went public with a description of the suspects last fall, Cpl. Jamie Chung said, tips poured in.
"Everyone in the community plays a part in improving public safety," he said. "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."
Diryas will next appear in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court on March 21.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
