Man chases, catches wallet thief in Fernandina Beach

A man was getting off work when he saw and chased down a suspected wallet thief near Green Turtle Tavern on Thursday night.

Police said a man and his wife were at the bar when a man came up to them and asked for a cigarette lighter.

The suspect stayed near the couple after lighting his cigarette and then bumped into the man as he walked away.

The man noticed the suspect grabbed his wallet as he bumped into him.

The man's wife chased after the suspect, who got on a bike and pedaled off.

Thaxton Rowe was getting off work and heard the commotion.

He ran after the suspect on the bike and confronted him.

He got the stolen wallet back but the suspect fled the area.

Fernandina Beach police said the agency does not recommend taking proactive measures against potentially dangerous criminals but commended Rowe for his quick actions.

Police are still looking for the suspect, who is described as a man in his 40s or 50s who is approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall. He was wearing a white shirt, dark blue shorts and a black hat.

Anyone with information about the suspect or a similar offense that occurred recently in the same area of town is asked to call Detective Sergeant Tracey Hamilton at 904-310-3215.

Cox Media Group