Dong Thap Provincial Police announced on 26/4 that they had temporarily detained Le Van Cang, a native of Vinh Kim commune, for investigation into robbery.

Cang has a history of 4 previous convictions, including intentional injury, property theft, robbery, and escaping detention.

Detectives escort Le Van Cang during a crime scene re-enactment. Photo: Nam An

Two days prior, around 3:30 p.m., Cang, needing money, rode his motorbike through the streets looking for someone to rob.

When he reached the middle of Rach Mieu 2 bridge, located in Dong Thap province, Cang spotted Ms. Cam, 39, from Long Dinh, riding a motorbike. He then approached her closely and aggressively demanded money.

Frightened, Ms. Cam replied that she had no money. Cang then threatened to kick her off her motorbike, forcing her to stop. Although the victim offered 200,000 VND, Cang deemed it insufficient. He continued to threaten her with a knife, coercing Ms. Cam into giving him an additional 800,000 VND, along with lottery tickets, a phone, and a tablet.

After committing the crime, Cang fled towards Thoi Son islet. The victim subsequently reported the incident to the police.

Cang was apprehended just 5 hours after the robbery.

He confessed that he had successfully carried out a similar snatch-and-grab robbery in Tan Phuoc 3 commune, Dong Thap province, using the same method.

*The victim's name has been changed.

Nam An