Police Clarify Man Mistaken for Snatcher Who Rode Off on Parked Motorcycle After Key Was Left in Ignition
The police authorities clarified that a man mistaken for a snatcher in Cebu City rode off on a parked motorcycle after noticing that the key was left in the ignition.
The incident happened on February 5, 2025, in Brgy. San Nicolas Proper, Cebu City, along C. Padilla Street, near the San Nicolas Barangay Hall. CCTV footage captured the event, which quickly spread on social media.
The suspect was caught just minutes after the attempted theft, leading many to believe he was a criminal.
However, upon further investigation, police revealed a different perspective. The man did not intend to steal the motorcycle but had simply taken off with it after realizing the key was in place.
The motorcycle’s owner later declined to press charges after learning that the individual was actually a friend suffering from mental health issues.
Authorities discovered that the man had been staying at a local church, where he served as a sacristan. According to church representatives, he had borrowed the motorcycle without permission to buy food, not intending to commit a crime.
CCTV footage also showed him losing control of the motorcycle and falling, which led to panic. Seeing the commotion, bystanders and the owner assumed he was a thief and chased him down.
Eventually, the misunderstanding was resolved. The owner retrieved the motorcycle and chose to forgive the sacristan, acknowledging that he was known to the church and had no ill intentions.
The police urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions and to ensure their vehicles were properly secured to prevent similar incidents.
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