The Pampanga snatcher who dragged his victim after snatching her bag was arrested by authorities

• A 67-year-old woman was violently robbed in San Fernando, Pampanga, on May 24, with CCTV footage showing the 31-year-old suspect dragging and kicking her while snatching her bag

• The alleged perpetrator, identified as Joedrick Dela Cruz, was apprehended on June 18 during a buy-bust operation in Porac, Pampanga, where authorities recovered illegal drug5, a firearm, and marked money

• Dela Cruz admitted to the robbery, citing “extreme necessity,” and police revealed he has a prior criminal record, having been jailed in 2024 for illegal gambl1ng

• Dela Cruz is expected to face a range of charges, including robbery with violence, illegal possession of dangerous drug5, and illegal possession of a firearm, as the investigation proceeds

Authorities have successfully apprehended a 31-year-old individual accused of a brazen bag-snatching incident in San Fernando, Pampanga, which involved dragging and kicking a 67-year-old female victim.

The suspect’s arrest, which occurred during a separate police operation, marks a significant development in a case that garnered public attention due to clear CCTV footage of the May 24 crime.

The alarming incident, captured by closed-circuit television cameras, showed the assailant forcefully grabbing the elderly woman’s bag and subsequently dragging her across the ground.

Reports from GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon indicate that the suspect also delivered a kick to the victim during the violent encounter.

This aggressive act on an elderly citizen prompted a focused effort by law enforcement to identify and locate the perpetrator.

The apprehension of the suspect, identified as Joedrick Dela Cruz, took place on Tuesday, June 18, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Pio, Porac, Pampanga.

While the buy-bust operation was initially aimed at addressing illegal drug activities, it led to the unexpected arrest of the individual wanted for the earlier robbery.

During his arrest, authorities recovered 2.3 grams of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride), a firearm, and marked money.

Upon questioning, Dela Cruz reportedly admitted his involvement in the San Fernando bag-snatching incident, stating that “extreme necessity” drove him to commit the crime.

Police investigations have also revealed that Dela Cruz has a prior criminal record, having been incarcerated in 2024 on charges related to illegal gambl1ng.

This history suggests a pattern of unlawful behavior, further contributing to the charges he now faces.

Dela Cruz is expected to face multiple charges following his arrest, including those related to robbery with violence against a person for the bag-snatching incident, illegal possession of dangerous drug5 (for the suspected shabu), and illegal possession of a firearm.

The combination of video evidence, the suspect's admission, and the items recovered during the buy-bust operation will form the basis of the case against him.

The successful arrest underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating street crime and ensuring public safety, particularly for vulnerable members of the community.

The use of surveillance technology, such as CCTV, continues to play a vital role in identifying perpetrators and aiding in their swift apprehension.

The outcome of this case serves as a stern warning against those who would resort to violence and criminal acts against citizens.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a six-year-old girl was found deceased in an abandoned house in Burauen, Leyte, with authorities suspecting molestation. A 50-year-old neighbor has been arrested as the primary suspect. The young victim went missing after her grandmother left for village watchman duty. Disturbingly, the suspected perpetrator reportedly joined the community search for the missing child before being identified by a witness.

Still in other news, an 18-year-old woman was found dead and partially undressed in her locked bedroom in Tubungan, Iloilo; autopsy confirmed she was s&xually assaulted and suffered head injuries. The 33-year-old motorcycle-for-hire driver suspect surrendered, saying guilt pushed him to confess to entering the room through a window and accidentally causing her death during a struggle. The suspect denied r@ping the victim, claiming he did not remove any of her clothing and was drunk during the incident. Police rejected his claims, citing forced entry and motive, and will file charges of r@ape with h&micide against him.

Source: KAMI.com.gh