Car Theft 2014

Cst. Jeff Mason

Patrol Division- Watch B

jeff.mason@vicpd.ca

I hope this isn't too detailed for you. I figured being thorough would help.
I hope it isn't too much work for you guys to prosecute this guy, but I figure it is rare that a witness catches them in the act
I attached a map of the route I went, and the ashtray he rummaged in:

Pics:

Statement of Events: January 5th, 2014, 10:30pm

I parked outside the Pizza Zone (1806 Cook St) on the west side Cook St. immediately next to the restaurant.
As I got out my grey Ford Taurus Station Wagon, an oddly-dressed man crossed the street and approached me, saying "Hey I want to show you something"
As it was a very odd request I replied "No thanks", and kept walking the short (20 foot) walk to the pizza place.
He continued with "Come on"
I said "No man"
He said something along the lines of "I got meth/crack" as I entered
I immediately selected one slice of pizza, paid quickly, and turned around to face the street, which took 20-30 seconds. I saw through the glass "a" car"s interior light was on. So I put down my pizza and went outside.
I quickly saw it was MY car who"s light was on, and the same man was inside it. He didn't see me, and took off walking up Cook.
I called 911, and asked dispatch if this was an emergency, and if they had units in the area.
He proceeded up Cook to Caledonia (North), Caledonia to Vancouver (West), and Vancouver to Pembroke (North).
Since the streets were empty, he soon heard me on the phone with dispatch and took off running northbound, as VicPD units arrived.
Just as I turned to flag down the VicPD units, I saw him turn left (West bound) onto Pembroke (I assumed into the Park behind Crystal Pool)
I quickly pointed out this man's direction of the VicPD Units, and after they took off, I ran to the last location I had seen him. Which only took 30 secs
When I got there, I saw two VicPD Units circling the park for the suspect, and one of them had stopped to question the man I BELIEVED to be the man I caught in my car, but because of the distance (300 ft, at night) I couldn't be certain. The Unit briefly questioned him, and took off.
I approached the suspect to get a closer look, and it was in fact the same man I caught in my car. I relayed that to dispatch that, and I backed off while they detained him. At that point, I did not want the suspect to see me up close, so I stayed back as he was questioned, and I gave my preliminary statement / info to Officer Mason.
When I returned to my car, I found the ashtray ripped out, and $5-$10 in coins taken. (As Pictured)

Re: Photo Line up

I am not sure how these work. Most of my guesses on the line-up procedure come from TV/Movies, and are probably used for more-serious. I made a list of the clearest features I could use to identify the man, including his haircut, facial hair, dress, stature, and his distinct accent.
I couldn't remember the street name "Pembroke", until your dispatch told me. I assume that doesn't matter, but I thought I'd mention it.
Thank you for your help.