On 16/3, Nghe An Provincial Police criminally detained Ma Van Vu, 30, residing in Dien Chau commune, for investigation of property robbery, under Article 168 of the Penal Code. Vu is accused of snatching a 30 million VND necklace from a 50-year-old woman at an aerobic gym in Tan Chau commune on 15/3.

Suspect Vu at the investigation agency. Photo: Hoa Vang.

According to the investigation, at approximately 5:00 h on 15/3, Vu, wearing a hooded jacket, a face mask, and carrying a knife, entered the aerobic gym. He used the knife to threaten the 50-year-old woman and attempted to snatch her necklace.

The woman immediately grabbed the robber's hand, shouted, resisted, and struggled fiercely. Even after falling to the floor, she repeatedly kicked him, trying to hold onto her necklace. Another woman nearby rushed to assist the victim, calling out for neighbors to help. The robber, still holding the weapon, threatened them before getting up and fleeing on a motorbike he had waiting outside.

Security camera footage shows Vu pushing the woman down and snatching her necklace. Video: Hung Le.

Following the victim's report, the Criminal Police Department of Nghe An Provincial Police, in coordination with Tan Chau Communal Police, launched a search. After more than 6 hours, officers arrested Vu while he was hiding in Dien Chau commune, more than 15 km from the crime scene.

Vu confessed he stormed into the aerobic gym with the intention of snatching the necklace to get money for drugs.

Duc Hung