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74-year-old man robbed in Vancouver library bathroom

The Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library is seen in downtown Vancouver, BC. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Douglas Williams

A man has been charged with assault with a weapon after a brazen bathroom robbery at the downtown Vancouver Public Library last week.

According to Vancouver police, the suspect allegedly kicked open a stall door in the lower-level washroom last Friday, and stole a laptop from the 74-year-old patron inside.

When two security guards tried to stop the suspect from leaving, he allegedly drew a weapon and fled. Nobody was injured, police said in a Tuesday news release.

“This is quite concerning, not only because the victim was elderly, but also because it happened in a place where people should feel safe and have total privacy,” Sgt. Steve Addison told Global News.

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“We’re happy nobody was hurt, and thankful that witnesses called police right away. That allowed our officers to respond immediately and arrest the suspect.”

The 29-year-old suspect was tracked down and arrested near the library after a foot chase.

Click to play video: 'Vancouver police investigate random attack on Asian woman caught on video'
Vancouver police investigate random attack on Asian woman caught on video

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