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Passenger steals from military veteran dying on Richmond bus

Posted at 11:15 AM, Sep 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-16 11:15:26-04

RICHMOND, Va. – A military veteran who died of a heart attack while onboard a Richmond city bus was robbed while unconscious.

Several burobbed while unconsciouss riders jumped in to help the man while he went into cardiac arrest, but they ultimately got off the bus, with the exception of one.

Police say 20-year-old Demontea Chappell stayed behind under the guise of giving aid but was seen on camera taking the man's wallet.

A video reveals the heartbreaking details.

"Pop? What you name is Pop?" said a young man, as the older bus passenger struggled unconsciously and not breathing.

"Trying to find his wallet. Where the wallet at?" that young man continues.

Chappell, according to police, was acting as if he was giving aid to the Air Force veteran, but the bus video showed he went inside the man’s wallet and then slid the cash into his own pocket.

Sources told WTVR's Jon Burkett that the veteran always carried cash, but how much money he had that day was unknown.

Police now have a warrant for Chappell's arrest.

The veteran died on the bus near the corner of First and Federal last Thursday morning.

Sources tell WTVR that after family members questioned why their loved one’s wallet was empty, officials with the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) went to the recordings and alerted police. The investigation led police to Chappell, who is still on the run.

GRTC is helping police in this investigation. If you know the whereabouts of Damontea Chappell, call the police.

This story was originally published by Jon Burkett at WTVR.