Another suspect in viral LRT pickpocketing nabbed in Pasay; drugs, firearm recovered
Another suspect linked to the viral TikTok video showing alleged pickpocketing incidents at the Light Rail Transit (LRT) station was arrested by the Pasay City Police after victimizing a woman passenger on Dec. 18.
The arrested suspect in the LRT pickpocketing incident that went viral. (Photo from Pasay City Police)
Pasay City Police Chief Col. Joselito De Sesto identified the suspect as alias “Lito,” 26, who is considered a street-level individual (SLI). He was apprehended at the LRT Line 1 Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City.
De Sesto said the suspect was arrested following a theft incident involving a female software engineer identified as “Sara,” a resident of Imus, Cavite.
Police said the victim was walking along the connecting bridge from LRT-1 Taft Station to MRT-3 EDSA Station when she noticed that her backpack felt heavier than usual.
Upon checking her bag, she discovered that it had been opened and that her wallet containing cash and identification cards was missing.
The victim noticed the suspect standing behind her and saw him hurriedly leave the area. She immediately sought assistance from a nearby security guard, which led to the suspect’s arrest.
After being turned over to the police officers on duty at the LRT station, the suspect yielded the victim’s missing wallet, an improvised firearm, and 5.4 grams of suspected illegal drugs with an estimated value of P36,720.
De Sesto said further verification showed that the suspect matched the physical appearance and clothing of an individual seen in a viral TikTok video posted on Dec. 14, which warned the public about alleged pickpocketing incidents in the Buendia–Taft LRT area.
The suspect was charged with theft, violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).