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Dublin: 9 °C Tuesday 19 March, 2024
good guy cops

Someone stole an autistic man's birthday money... so police raised €1,000 as a surprise present

They’ve also arrested a suspect after thousands of people viewed the crime on YouTube.

A MAN WITH autism who was filmed having his birthday money stolen has been given more than €1,000 as a late present – raised by local police officers out of their own pockets.

The force in Stamford, Connecticut have also arrested and charged a man accused of carrying out the robbery last week.

They gave the victim – a 27-year-old man – his replacement present at a special ceremony yesterday.

Footage of the crime was viewed thousands of times after being posted on YouTube as part of an appeal for evidence.

Stamford Police Department / YouTube

According to police, the man with autism was on his way to buy video games with $100 he had been given by his family for his birthday. He was ‘befriended’ by a man who approached him.

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In the video, the victim can be seen excitedly showing the other man the money he has. The suspect then appears to take the money and taunt him, while the victim grows agitated.

The suspect then pretends to put the cash back in the man’s pocket, hugs him goodbye, and runs away with the money.

As the footage of the crime spread, the Stamford Police Union raised hundreds of dollars from officers and local residents. The replacement birthday present – around $1,300 (€1,000) in cash and gift cards – was handed over yesterday.

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Police said they received “several leads” about the suspect’s identity after releasing the video. Over the weekend, they raided the home of a 27-year-old man and found clothing matching that in the video.

Steven St Jacques admitted to involvement in the crime, according to a police statement. He has now been charged with larceny.

- Additional reporting AP

More: Urban Outfitters apologises and removes blood-spattered sweatshirt from sale after criticism>

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