West Vancouver police are asking for the public to help identify a suspect who perpetrated an unprovoked assault on senior.
The incident happened “just out of nowhere” at 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 18, outside the Eddie Bauer store at Park Royal South, according to Const. Kevin Goodmurphy, West Vancouver Police Department spokesman.
The victim, an 80-year-old man, was walking alone when he noticed a stranger walking toward him.
“The victim said a friendly ‘Good morning,’ The other guy didn’t say anything. The suspect turned and walked beside the victim for a little bit … and then just turned and shoved him to the ground and walked away,” Goodmurphy said. “This incident is particularly disturbing, given that this assault was totally unprovoked.”
The victim was left with a sore hip but declined the offer of an ambulance, Goodmurphy said.
The incident was captured by surveillance cameras at the mall. Investigators have shared the video with other police departments in hopes of his being known to police elsewhere. An image showing the suspect has also been released to the public with a plea for tips.
Police describe the wanted man as six-foot-one with a slim build. He was wearing black pants and a black jacket with orange shoulders and an orange hood.
“It's the distinct colours of that jacket that really stand out for us,” Goodmurphy said. “We're hoping somebody may recognize the person or see somebody with a similar appearance, and give us a call.”
Anyone with information is asked to call WVPD at 604-925-7300 regarding police file 21-14296.
