A 41-year-old man has been arrested and charged after an alleged attempted purse-snatching that was foiled by the actions of a Good Samaritan, according to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).

A 59-year-old woman was at West 8th Avenue and Spruce Street on Wednesday shortly before 4 p.m. when a man reportedly grabbed her purse, police say.

The woman, who was using a walker, fell to the ground and suffered minor injuries.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!

A witness driving by stopped his vehicle and chased the suspect into a neighbouring complex, Const. Megan Lui says.

“He actually got challenged by the suspect … with a knife,” she said.

“The witness was able to retrieve the item from the suspect and return it back to the woman and gave police a very detailed description.”

Because of his description, Lui says, officers were quickly able to find the suspect near the seawall.

“We do have Good Samaritans that do come forward and step up to the call of helping someone in need, and we do commend this Good Samaritan for assisting the victim,” she said.

“We are just very thankful that there are no other further injuries.”

The man has been charged with one count of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Police say he remains in custody.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call the VPD at 604-717-3321.