On 2/5, Dung (39, from Duc Tho commune, residing in Ho Chi Minh City) and Linh (46, residing in Can Tho City) were detained by Ha Tinh Provincial Police for investigation into property snatching, under Article 171 of the Penal Code.

According to the investigation, at about 12:30 on 1/5, Dung drove a grey-blue Exciter motorcycle with a Ha Tinh license plate, carrying Linh to Hue Thuong gold shop on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, in hamlet 4, Duc Tho commune (formerly part of Duc Tho district). Linh, wearing a backpack, entered the shop and pretended to inquire about buying two 9999 gold rings (5 chi each).

Suspects Dung and Linh wearing masks, moving near the gold shop before the crime, afternoon 1/5. Photo: Police provided

Authorities accuse that after Linh took hold of the two gold rings, weighing a total of 10 chi (valued at 154 million VND), she suddenly pushed the door open and ran out. Ms. Hue, the shop owner, chased after her, struggled, and called for help.

Dung, who was waiting on his motorcycle a few meters away, jumped off and used a 40 cm long pointed knife to attack Ms. Hue and those around them to free his accomplice. People dodged the attack, so no one was injured.

Faced with the determined pursuit by residents, Dung and Linh abandoned the motorcycle at the scene, ran into residential areas, and escaped.

Suspect Linh snatches gold and flees, arrested more than 5 hours after the crime. Video: Police provided

Upon receiving the report, the Ha Tinh Provincial Police Criminal Investigation Department coordinated with local police in communes and wards, deploying multiple task forces to block roads and search for the two suspects. Early that evening, Linh was apprehended while hiding in an abandoned house in Duc Tho commune, more than one km from the crime scene.

After 9:30 PM, Dung was caught near National Highway 1, passing through the Thach Long intersection in Thach Ha commune (formerly Thach Ha district), more than 50 km from the scene. According to detectives, he was attempting to catch a bus to the North.

Suspects Dung and Linh (from left), at the time of arrest. Photo: Police provided

All stolen property has been recovered by authorities. The case is under expanded investigation, and police have not yet released the suspects' statements.

Duc Hung