PSLE: Pickpocket in MRT train

Have you had an award that you cannot stop talking about?  I have.  It happened when I was only ten...

 

It was the rush hour, the busiest time at the train station.  Commuters were buzzing about like busy bees in a beehive.  In the train, some passengers were trying to catch a catnap.  I was one of them.  I was almost desperate to doze off while standing.  How ridiculous of me! 

Everyone was minding their own business except for one.  He was middle-aged and bearded.  Despite his nondescript appearance, he caught my attention as he was acting suspiciously.  He looked left, right, front and back.   His eyes were locked onto a big, fat purse. Unfortunately, the owner of the purse was oblivious to the attention. 

 

The man went gliding stealthily towards his target.  The train jolted and screeched to a halt as it reached the station.  The man lurched forward and in a split second, he removed the purse from his pocket.

 

Witnessing his act shocked me and I shouted at the top of my voice, "Pickpocket!"  The doors opened and the pickpocket made a beeline for the exit doors.  I gave chase and hot on his heels. I began to think I might never catch up with him.  Luckily, I managed to get the help of a patrolling guard. 

 

Fortunately, the pickpocket was silly.  In his haste, he jumped off an escalator and sprained his knee.  The guard and I took advantage of the fall and caught up with him in the nick of time.  We pinned him down to the ground and a passer-by immediately called the police.  When the police officers arrived, they asked me for the information and details of the crime.  Soon, they whisked the man off in a patrol car.

 

The next day, I was called on stage and present a police commendation award.  The students gave me a standing ovation.  I found out later that as I was wearing my school uniform, the police knew which school I was from and notified my principal.  Till now, it is indeed the proudest moment of my life.