Thief caught stealing Dh200,000 when he sprained his ankle, Dubai court hears

Police catch up with unemployed Afghan when he trips and money is scattered all over the ground.

DUBAI // A man who allegedly stole Dh200,000 from a pedestrian was caught after he sprained his ankle as he ran away.

Unemployed SA, 28, from Afghanistan, bumped into victim NA, who was carrying a bag containing the money on April 30.

Prosecutors said he pulled the bag from the victim’s hand and ran away. The victim started screaming for help but, by the time help arrived, the defendant was some distance away.

“It was about 11.40am that day in Murshid Souq [in Deira] when I heard a man screaming ‘thief, thief’. I went to him and he told me what happened. My colleague started looking for the thief,” said Emirati policeman SJ, 22.

He added that when they caught up with the thief, he threw the money bag, which caused the cash to scatter all over the street. “He then fell on the ground after his ankle twisted, and we arrested him,” said the officer.

In court, the Afghan denied a charge of robbery.

He awaits a verdict on August 16.