Police union donates a new bike and helmet to a cyclist after he is robbed in Seal Beach

Earlier this month a Seal Beach cyclist was pushed into traffic while a suspect snatched his bike and rode away.

That same day, after Seal Beach police officers arrested the suspect, the officers bought the robbery victim a new bike and helmet, authorities announced Tuesday.

While the victim was not injured, his bike and helmet were both damaged. The Seal Beach Police Officers’ Association donated the money to buy the new equipment, using a fund made up of officers’ union dues, said Sgt. Nick Nicholas, spokesman for Seal Beach police.

The robbery occurred about 10 a.m. Dec. 19 near the intersection of Seal Beach Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, police said.

The victim, who has not been identified, was riding his bicycle when the suspect forcefully pushed him off the bike and into traffic, police said. The suspect then rode away on the victim’s bike.

The victim was not seriously injured, police said.

A motorist witnessed the robbery and called police. Police found the suspect — James Spells, 24, of Indianapolis — a short distance away, police said.

Arrested on suspicion of robbery, Spells was incarcerated in lieu of $50,000 bail and is due in court Jan. 2, according to county jail records.