The Vancouver Police Department says a woman is recovering after a “violent strong-arm” robbery in Mount Pleasant Saturday evening.

Police are crediting three Good Samaritans for preventing the 23-year-old victim from being seriously injured.

“Three total strangers acted bravely and decisively when a fellow citizen was in danger, and in doing so they stopped this violent crime in progress,” said Sgt. Steve Addison.

“We are grateful to these three men for their quick thinking, and for the actions they took to help someone in need.”

The woman left work at around 9 p.m. when she was grabbed by a man with a knife from behind. He threatened to stab her and dragged her into a nearby lane.

“A 29-year-old man was passing by when he heard the woman call for help and saw her struggling with the suspect,” the VPD said in a news release.

“He immediately flagged over two men in a passing car, and together the three Good Samaritans began yelling at the suspect until he released the victim and fled. One of the men called 911.”

The suspect fled and was later found near Ross Street East and East 43rd Avenue.

The VPD says the suspect, a 59-year-old man who frequents the area, is now in custody after a major police response that included more than 30 officers, including members of the canine unit.

The victim was treated in hospital.

With files from Cole Schisler and Raynaldo Suarez.