Vancouver police are calling an attack on a 78-year-old woman over the weekend "horrific" and "disturbing."
The attack happened around 6 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 31) at the woman's home near Queen Elizabeth Park, according to a release from the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). It's believed she let two men, who were posing as police officers, into her home after they knocked on her door.
She was then attacked.
The woman, who lives alone, then lay, injured, inside her home for several hours before being found; a friend, concerned for the woman's wellbeing called the police.
The woman was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the release.
"This was a horrific and deeply disturbing crime that has left a vulnerable senior clinging to life,” says Sgt. Steve Addison in the release. “We don’t know yet who did this or why, and until we have more information everyone should be on guard.”
Police are looking for the two suspects now. One is described as:
- Caucasian
- 30–40 years old
- 6'0"
- Medium build
- Long brown beard
The other is described as:
- Hispanic or Indigenous
- 30–50
- 6'0"
- Heavy build
- Balding with dark hair
Anyone with information about the incident or two suspects is asked to call the VPD's major crime unit at 604-717-2541 or remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Police are reminding people all officers carry badges and have unique numbers.
"All VPD officers – whether in uniform or in civilian clothes – carry individualized police badges, ID cards, and have unique personal identification numbers,” adds Sgt. Addison in the release. “If you have any doubt that a person you are dealing with is a police officer, please call the VPD non-emergency line at 604-717-3321 for confirmation.”
