Cancún, Quintana Roo — Residents and motorists chased down and detained a man accused of stealing an elderly woman’s bank card Sunday morning, after he allegedly snatched it from her at an ATM on Avenida La Luna. The pursuit ended on Avenida Nichupté, where the suspect was held until police arrived.
The woman told authorities she was making a withdrawal when the suspect approached and offered to help, claiming she was using the ATM incorrectly. When she was distracted, he grabbed her card and ran. Witnesses said an alleged accomplice was waiting outside the bank, and the suspect handed him the card before both fled in different directions.
A motorcyclist and other drivers saw what happened and gave chase. The pursuit ended at the intersection of Avenida Nichupté and Calle Mosquito in Supermanzana 51, where more motorists and nearby residents joined in and prevented the man from escaping. His accomplice managed to flee.
Several people subdued the man and held him for about 20 minutes before municipal police officers arrived. Officers found at least four credit and debit cards belonging to different people in his possession. The victim’s card was not among them; the suspect admitted he had already given it to his accomplice.
The man told the group that he was unemployed and had a daughter to support, adding that he “would not do it again.” He also reportedly said that he and his accomplice had operated in the Crucero area, a claim that authorities have yet to confirm.
Police took the suspect into custody and turned him over to the State Prosecutor’s Office. Investigators are searching for the accomplice. Officers did not locate any of the people who helped make the arrest, and nearby residents declined to come out of their homes.
Those involved complained about the police response time but said they were satisfied the alleged thief was prevented from escaping. The incident serves as a reminder for ATM users, particularly older adults, to be cautious of strangers offering help during banking transactions and to keep their cards in sight at all times.
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