A 30-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly stole a Lalamove rider’s wallet containing P5,000 and later attempted to grab a police officer’s service firearm while resisting arrest in Baseco Compound, Port Area, Manila, on Saturday, July 11.

The Manila Police District (MPD)-Police Station 13 identified the suspect as Yajie Agusan Rolona, a helper and resident of Baseco Compound.

The complainant was identified as Iron Mark Lingan Tomales, 25, a Lalamove rider.

According to police, Lingan reported that at around 4:15 a.m., Agusan allegedly forced open the compartment of his motorcycle parked at Block 4 Habitat, Baseco Compound, and stole his wallet containing personal identification cards and P5,000, which he said were his savings from work.

The incident was captured by the victim’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, which was turned over to police as evidence.

Acting on the complaint, personnel from Police Community Precinct 3 launched a follow-up operation that led to the suspect’s location at Smart 2 GK, Baseco Compound, at around 8 p.m.

Police said the victim positively identified Agusan, but the suspect allegedly resisted arrest, leading to a scuffle with the arresting officers.

During the confrontation, Agusan allegedly attempted to grab the service firearm of Cpl. Ranher B. Hernandez, but failed because the weapon remained secured in its holster.

Another officer who tried to restrain the suspect was allegedly shoved before Agusan fled on foot. He was eventually caught after a brief chase.

The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and later brought to the police station for booking and documentation before undergoing a medical examination.

Police said charges of theft, direct assault, and resistance and disobedience to a person in authority will be filed against Agusan before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.