KUALA LUMPUR: A pair of snatch thieves thought they had it easy when they snatched a handbag from a Singaporean woman early yesterday.
They did not expect to be pursued by an witness -- ending in the death of one of them.
The incident occurred after the two men, aged 18 and 19, had snatched the handbag from their victim in Jalan Batu Tiga, Cheras, here at about 1am yesterday.
Cheras district police chief ACP Mohan Singh Tara Singh said the woman had just finished supper with friends at an outlet and was walking to her car when the duo, who were on a motorcycle, pounced on her.
"One of the men grabbed her handbag and fled with his accomplice on the motorcycle. The woman screamed for help and a witness, who happened to be in the car, pursued the suspects," he said.
He said the witness gave chase in the car and caught up with the motorcycle before ramming it.
"The suspects fell and sustained grievous injuries and were taken to Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia for treatment," Mohan said.
One of the men later succumbed to his injuries. His accomplice is still warded in the hospital with broken legs. He is being investigated under Section 395 of Penal Code for gang-robbery.