When he heard the woman screaming for help, there wasn't much question in Parmvir Dosanj's mind what he was going to do.
At about 10 p.m. Aug. 9, Shafiah Sadler, 51, was at the door of her home, struggling with some groceries as she attempted to unlock her door.
An 18-year-old South Asian man pushed her, grabbed her purse and ran. Sadler gave chase, calling for help along the way.
To her good fortune – and the bad luck of the perpetrator – Dosanj, a kickboxer, was driving by in his van near 75 A Avenue and 120 Street when he saw Sadler calling for help from the middle of the street.
"I saw the male in the black hoodie, and I quickly assumed right away that he had stolen something from her," the Delta teen said Friday.
He rolled down the window, yelling at the perpetrator to stop.
When the man with the stolen purse kept going, Dosanj, 18, got out of the van and gave chase.
It happened so fast, he said, that he didn't have much time to think about possible repercussions, like if the thief was armed.
He eventually caught up to the perpetrator behind the Shoppers Drug Mart on Scott Road, put him in a headlock and dropped him to the ground.
That's when the thief started yelling "Let me go, I didn't do anything."
Dosanj kept his grip and the man finally gave up the purse, once again pleading to be released.
After about five minutes, police arrived and arrested the suspect.
Police commend Dosanj for his quick and bold action.
"This young man is to be lauded for his courageous and selfless actions," said RCMP Sgt. Drew Grainger. "As the police it is very satisfying to see young people in our community rise to the occasion to assist another citizen in need. Although we never condone this type of behaviour, we commend his efforts that night and for acting so decisively."
Police are recommending a charge of robbery against the suspect.
As for Dosanj, he's looking for work, possibly in the security business, or even policing.