Ice Cream Truck Driver Fights Back Against Would-Be Thief
GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- Grants Pass police reported today that they have cited a 37-year-old man on charges of stealing from an ice cream truck on SW Rogue RIver Avenue.
Police report that at 2:40 PM Friday, a 41-year-old Grants Pass man was selling ice cream from the right side door of his ice cream van in the 200 block of SW Rogue River Avenue. Suspect David Edward Anderson reached into the left side open window of the van and removed a cash box containing approximately $200. Police say Anderson then jumped onto his bike and started to ride away.
Police report the victim chased after Anderson, who threw the cash box back at the victim. The cash box hit the ground and spilled its contents onto the street.
The victim continued his pursuit and tackled the suspect on his bicycle. There was a short struggle and the suspect was able to get away. The victim suffered a minor cut to his right finger and a minor scrape to his left knee.
Grants Pass Department of Public Safety officers arrived and took an initial report, later identifying Anderson as the suspect with the help of the community. Anderson, a resident of the 3000 block of Lower River Road, was cited with second-degree theft and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding this case should call Grants Pass police at 541-474-6370.
