St. Paul Police: Man Snatches Phone From 9-Year-Old, Taunts Her

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The St. Paul Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a man who snatched a cell phone out of a 9-year-old girl's hands.

According to police, the incident occurred near the intersection of Grotto Street and Edmund Avenue at about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.

St. Paul police spokesman Steve Linders says the victim was at the corner to pick up her little sister from the school bus when the man walked by, circled back and grabbed her phone.

Linders says the man said, "Ah ha! I have your phone!" as he ran away. A store on the corner caught an image of the suspect (pictured above).

The little girl was unhurt, but shaken up.

Anyone who sees him is asked to please call 911 immediately. Anyone who knows who he is is asked to call 651-266-5516. Tipsters can remain anonymous.