Man charged after allegedly threatening senior with knife and stealing backpack in Vancouver

A 36-year-old man has been charged after allegedly threatening a senior with a knife and stealing his backpack in downtown Vancouver earlier this week.

Vancouver police identified the suspect as Joshua Edward Adams. He has been charged with assault with a weapon and theft under $5,000.

The Vancouver Police Department said the incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. on Sept. 9 near Davie and Cardero streets. Police allege Adams approached a 76-year-old man sitting on a coffee shop patio, pulled out a knife, took the man's backpack and fled on foot.

A nearby witness called 911 and gave dispatchers real-time updates on the suspect's movements. Officers located and arrested Adams a short time later. He was taken to Vancouver Jail and was subsequently charged in connection with the incident.