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Off-duty RCMP officer tackles fleeing suspect

Video captures takedown of alleged shoplifter

EVEN when they're off duty, they're never really off duty.

A North Vancouver RCMP officer is being praised after he took down an alleged shoplifter while on his day off in Vancouver. A watchful citizen recorded the five-minute affair and the video is now racking up thousands of views online.

Const. Tom Cichon, a four-year North Vancouver RCMP member, was doing some shopping Friday afternoon when he spotted a man allegedly shoplifting items from the Shoppers Drug Mart on Vancouver's Davie Street and pursued him outside.

Amateur videographer Terry David Silvercloud arrived on the scene in an alley behind St. Paul's Hospital just as Cichon caught up with the suspect.

The video depicts Cichon taking the suspect down to the ground with a Judo technique, identifying himself as a police officer and asking bystanders to call 9-1-1.

The man appears desperate and tries to wriggle free of Cichon.

"Please, I put the stuff back," he says. "You're ruining my life. I'm sorry. Let go of me."

Eventually, Vancouver Police Department officers arrive on the scene and relieve Cichon.

The suspect was arrested at the scene and released on a promise-to-appear in court.

The incident underscores the commitment officers show their communities even when they're off the clock, Cichon's colleagues say.

"It's excellent to see. It's a perfect example of how a police officer isn't just a police officer 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, . . . " said Sgt. Randy Fincham, VPD spokesman.

"This officer ultimately did step in on his day off and didn't really need to help out but he's still out there doing his duties as a police officer regardless of his days on or days off, which is refreshing to see."

By Monday, the video of the citizen's arrest had been seen more than 25,000 times on YouTube, though the officer isn't seeking any wider attention,

"He's declining to give personal interviews. Everyone from Global to CNN wanted to talk to him," said Cpl. Richard De Jong, North Vancouver RCMP spokesman.

Regular folks can detain someone who has committed a crime, so long as they're sure they can do it safely and only detain the person while police are on their way, De Jong said. Anyone making a citizen's arrest needs to be wary of the risk involved.

"There always is (risk). That's why first and foremost is your own personal safety and the safety of those around you. If in doubt, call 9-1-1," he said.

brichter@nsnew.com