Canadian junior racer foils robbery

Giga-Bike/La-Z-Boy junior rider Adrian Johnson (17) became a local hero last week when he helped apprehend a thief who had stolen an elderly woman's purse. Johnson and his father saw the robbery take place in downtown Victoria, Canada on Thursday April 13, and the youngster chased the purse-snatcher on foot.

Johnson cornered the thief in a nearby parking lot and he, his father and an off-duty security guard detained the six-foot tall, 190lb man while police were called. According to Victoria police constable Brent Berger, the man, who turned out to be on parole, was arrested and charged with robbery.

"Adrian showed extreme courage which put him in a very dangerous position, especially considering the type of violent crime he was dealing with. Adrian's act of courage is unquestionably amazing and the team is proud of him that he was able to end this lady's nightmare", saidGiga-Bike President Calvin Straathof.

"Chasing down the man was the kind of decision made in the heat of the moment", said Johnson. "We've talked about it in the sense that possibly it was valiant, but probably not really good judgment. Obviously it's one of those situations where people look at it and say there's something heroic about it, but personally I say I just wouldn't want [a robbery] done to me."