Elderly women kicked, punched in face in 'bizarre,' random attacks
Police believe the attacks were committed by the same person who may have mental health or drug issues
Vancouver police are gathering surveillance video following two "disturbing and random assaults" on elderly woman on West Broadway on Thursday afternoon.
In the first attack an 84-year-old woman sitting on her walker was kicked off her seat by a stranger.
Const. Brian Montague said the assault took place shortly after noon on West Broadway near Ash Street.
"The victim suffered a broken elbow and was taken to hospital where she remains, recovering from her injuries," Montague said.
Two hours later nearby at Granville and West Broadway, a 70-year-old woman in a wheelchair was punched in the face while she was out for a walk with her daughter. She was not injured.
In both cases, the man who approached the women walked away after the assault took place.
The suspect is described as:
- White.
- In his 20s.
- Five feet ten inches tall.
- Medium build.
- Full beard.
- Wearing a dark navy top, navy baseball hat and white shoes.
No motive for 'bizarre' attacks
Montague said officers believe the attacks were committed by the same person based on the type of assault, location and time. They are asking anyone who may have seen the suspect to contact them immediately.
Officers have already collected a grainy image of the suspect from surveillance cameras in the area, but they are hoping that more surveillance video gathered today will provide a better image.
"Video will be the key here. Often witness accounts are very fuzzy and tend to differ quite a bit from person to person. So video will play a key role."
He notes incidents like these are uncommon and it is likely the suspect has mental health or drug issues.
"There doesn't appear to be any real motivation behind the attack: it doesn't appear to be sexually motivated, robbery doesn't appear to be a motive. They just seem completely random and bizarre."
"This is obviously concerning for us. Two random attacks is something that is really bizarre, especially when there's no reason behind the attacks."
And while the women are recovering after being released from hospital, it's likely the attacks will have a lasting impact on them, he said.
"We're dealing with a 70 year-old woman and 84-year-old who are very vulnerable. Both have limited mobility issues."
"I think it's fair to say that while their physical injuries will heal over time, it's very traumatic for both of them."