Heroic Chinese Photographer Pins Down Thief In Barcelona, Recovers Stolen Camera
The photographer was not physically harmed and was also able to retrieve his camera and other photographic equipment.
A Chinese photographer has gone viral for his heroic act to save his equipment. The incident reportedly unfolded at the Avenida de la Catedral in Barcelona's Ciutat Vella district, Spain, earlier this week. The photographer was filming a newlywed Asian couple in the streets of the historic landmark. When they were busy with the shoot, three strangers suddenly turned up and tried to steal the professional camera. The assailants managed to snatch the device, but the photographer reacted promptly. He caught one of the thieves and pinned him to the ground while the other two quickly fled off the scene.
Witnesses immediately called the Catalan Police to inform them of the robbery. By the time officers of the Regional Motorcycle Group (GRM) arrived at the spot, the culprit had almost been choked by the photographer.
The detainee was identified as a 27-year-old man of North African origin, who had nine criminal records, ElCaso.com reported. The police have already started an investigation to locate the other two suspects who had disappeared.
The photographer was not physically harmed. He was also able to retrieve his camera and other photographic equipment. A clip of his brave actions was dropped on X (formerly Twitter) by a Chinese journalist, and it impressed many social media buffs.
The video showed the thief, visibly shocked, struggling to breathe while lying on the footpath. After the police arrested him, the bystanders burst into applause, appreciating the photographer for his resilience.
A Chinese photographer's camera was stolen in Spain. The thief picked the wrong guy… He was choked until the police arrived. The citizens burst into applause.I used to be nervous about being stolen when I studied in France. After backing home, no worries. China is very safe. pic.twitter.com/bCSEY5fnQp
— Li Zexin (@XH_Lee23) April 30, 2025
An X user quipped that the thief appeared to be 'relieved after the police took him away". 'Bro was so happy to see the police for a split second," added another. A humorous comment read, 'Plot twist: He said 'call the cops,' but forgot he was the consequence.
One user felt the photographer might be 'specialised in jiu-jitsu". 'The hand could be steadier on the bicep, but the rear-naked choke worked out," suggested an individual. 'Lesson learned: don't mess with the wrong person!" wrote a user.
'I remember when a Russian tourist broke the arm of a thief who tried to pickpocket him, and a Spanish court forced the tourist to pay 7000 euros to the thief because he lost his ability to work," shared a person. The video has garnered over 7 million views on the X platform.
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