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Phoenix police arrest man who tried to steal woman's wheelchair
Posted
Phoenix police arrested a man who allegedly tried to steal a wheelchair from a woman while she was riding the light rail last month.
Police said Austin Brett Shurbutt, 26, reportedly pushed the woman out of a light rail car on Nov. 30.
The victim began to scream for help, but Mr. Shurbutt is accused of forcibly grabbing the wheelchair and causing the victim to fall from her chair during the struggle.
Police said Mr. Shurbutt then attempted to steal the wheelchair — which cost about $6,000 according to records — but was stopped by a group of bystanders who heard the victim screaming.
Silent Witness put out a flyer last week, and tips led authorities to identify Mr. Shurbutt as a suspect.
According to records, he was arrested Saturday in the area of 59th Avenue and Happy Valley Road. Mr. Shurbutt was wearing the same shoes as in the attempted robbery.
He declined to answer any questions other than confirming he was in the images police showed him, records state.
Police said Mr. Shurbutt has two outstanding warrants. He was jailed in lieu of a $25,000 cash-only bond on charges of robbery, attempt to kidnap, assault and a vulnerable adult abuse.
It was unclear Sunday if Mr. Shurbutt has a lawyer yet.
Sgt. Jamie Rothschild said the victim does not wish to be interviewed, but that she is grateful for the support from the community in finding the suspect.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Silent Witness
Silent Witness released this video in hopes the public would be able to identify a suspect who assault a woman and tried to steal her wheelchair on Nov. 30, 2019.
