An Abbotsford, B.C. man has been charged in connection with a rash of purse snatchings, which have been reported in the south Vancouver area in recent weeks.
The Vancouver Police Department said 32-year-old William Bissonnette was arrested Friday in Port Moody with the assistance of Port Moody police.
"We found that he was residing out there,'' said Vancouver Police Const. Jana McGuinness.
The arrest followed yet another purse snatching in southeast Vancouver, making it the eighth to have been reported since August 4th, according to Vancouver Police, who say investigators believe the alleged purse snatchings may have been committed by the same person.
The latest robbery took place in the 2200 block of Adanac Street on the afternoon of August 21st and involved a 59-year-old Vancouver woman.
Bissonnette is now charged with two counts of robbery and one count of assault causing bodily harm in relation to the August 20th and 21st incidents.
However, Bissonnette is assumed to be innocent until the charges are tested in a court of law.
A combination of significant police investigative efforts, media coverage and witness information led to the arrest.
The investigation continues with respect to any further charges, police say
