Vancouver police are investigating two random assaults against elderly women on the city’s west side Thursday that appear to have been committed by the same man.
Police said the first assault happened before noon when an 84-year-old woman was sitting on her walker on West Broadway near Ash Street. As she waited for her ride, a stranger approached, kicked her off her seat and walked away.
The victim suffered a broken elbow and was taken to hospital where she remains, recovering from her injuries.
The second assault happened about two hours later near Broadway and Granville Street.
A 70-year-old woman in a wheelchair out with her daughter was approached by a man who punched her once in the face and walked off. She suffered minor injuries and did not require medical attention.
The man in the first attack is described as white, in his ’20s, five feet, 10 inches (1.78 metres) tall with a medium build and full beard. He was wearing a dark navy top, navy baseball hat and white shoes.
The victim and witnesses in the second incident were unable to provide a description to police, but based on the type of assault, the location and time, investigators believe both attacks could have been committed by the same man.
Officers will be canvassing the area for video to locate images of the suspect in an attempt to identify him.
Anyone who sees him is asked to contact police immediately.
