THIS is the shocking moment a thug wearing reindeer slippers dumps a woman out of her wheelchair – before hero train passengers chase him off.
Newly released security footage shows Austin Shurbutt, 26, launch into the bizarre daylight mugging attempt in Phoenix, Arizona, last month.
He now faces a string of charges including robbery, kidnapping and assault after his arrest on Saturday in connection with the attack on the city’s light railway.
The surveillance footage – which had gone viral as cops appealed to the public for information – shows Shurbutt in a red sweater and wearing Christmas-themed reindeer slippers.
Phoenix police said: “Despite his reindeer slippers, this criminal was NOT spreading holiday cheer.”
He is seen jumping from his seat and leaping at a vulnerable wheelchair-bound woman at around 3:40pm on Friday, November 29.
The woman tries to fight off Shurbutt as he pushes her towards the door – but he is able to tip her out of the chair and run off.
Shocked passengers rush to the woman’s aid – before other hero onlookers tackle Shurbutt.
Another security camera captures the cowardly suspect abandon the stolen chair on the station platform and run off.
Appealing for information, police had said: “Difficult video to watch as criminal tries to steal a wheelchair right out from under a woman, but hero passengers on the light rail came to her rescue.”
After the footage was widely shared, police revealed on Saturday they had arrested Shurbutt.
He has two outstanding warrants, and now faces five fresh charges in connection to the train attack, Phoenix cops said.
The department said: “He was still wearing the reindeer slippers when he was arrested.”
