Tess Aboughoushe was in downtown Edmonton, returning from a lunch-hour appointment at the chiropractor on Valentine’s Day, when she spotted a struggle down the block.

Wallis Snowdon, CBC News:

“I was walking back to my office and crossing the street and a lady calls out, ‘Stop. Thief. He took my wallet.’

When Aboughoushe heard the scream, her instinct kicked in.  She chased the thief down an alley and found him hiding behind a dumpster.

“He came out from behind the dumpster and says, in a conciliatory way, ‘Here is the wallet, I can’t do this anymore, I’m sorry, just take it, take it.’

“So I took the wallet, and the woman caught up soon after. I gave it back to her and he stayed there, apologizing a lot.”

Aboughoushe gave the woman a hug and wished her a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Then, she walked with the man to Credo, a few blocks down the street, and bought him a large black coffee.

Holy crap. I’m walking back from my chiro appointment and a woman begins screaming and I see a man taking off and she yells that he took her wallet, just like in the movies and I chased him down. He stops and says he can’t do this anymore and hands me back the wallet and she catches up and he apologizes 100 times, says he’s never done something like this before. She hugs me and I wish her a happy Valentine’s day, then I take the guy to credo, buy him a large coffee to stay, listen to his situation.. go upstairs to the office and call the police. He was very regretful and contrite but a desperate man could do desperate things and he needs the help of the police. I took the photo before he handed back the wallet. Only two blocks of running but I think my heart rate is going like I sprinted a 5k right now. Just like in the movies, guys. Holy crap! . 👮‍♂️ . #yegdt #civiliantakedown #yegrunner #runningcameinhandy #holycrap #happyvalentinesday

A post shared by Tess Aboughoushe (@tessa.rex) on

More: CTV Edmonton