A 17-year-old boy who tried to attack a university teacher after the latter foiled his attempt to steal items from an elderly man was captured in Zamboanga City.

Authorities said the boy allegedly attempted to take belongings from the bag of an elderly man on La Purisima Street evening on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

However, when the teacher alerted the elderly man, the boy turned his attention to the teacher. He followed the teacher, confronted him, and even threatened him with an icepick. He threatened the teacher further before fleeing the area.

The teacher reported the incident to the police.

Authorities identified and tracked the suspect later with the help of CCTV footage.

The suspect was captured and presented before the Office of the City Mayor. He was accompanied by his partner and 25-year-old sister-in-law.

Mayor Khymer Olaso lauded the police for the successful operation and gave P30,000 as reward to the informant who helped capture the boy.

“The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to validate statements and monitor similar street-level incidents in the city,” the city government said.