Ottawa police say a 101-year-old, decorated Second World War veteran, who was the victim of home invasion on Thursday, is doing well but is eager to see an arrest made.
On Thursday morning, Retired Col. Ernest Cote was tied up and robbed of several items by a man who claimed to be a city worker who then pushed his way into Cote's condo.
Staff Sgt. Mike Haarbosch, the head of the Ottawa Police robbery unit, told CTV News Channel Friday that Cote met with police at the station Thursday to provide a description of the suspect.
"He's in great spirits," Haarbosch told CTV News Channel Friday.
"He's very motivated to assist us in our investigation and to do whatever he can to do move this along."
Police have also released a picture of the man they are looking for. The image, taken from security video, shows a man police describe as approximately six feet tall, 200 lbs, with fair skin and a prominent nose.
Police say the suspect claimed to work for the city and asked to be buzzed into Cote’s condo building around 7:30 a.m. Thursday. He then went to Cote’s door and demanded money. When Cote refused, the man pushed his way in, tied up the elderly man, and took several items, before leaving.
Cote was not injured and managed to free himself to call for help.
The robbery shocked Cote’s neighbours and several federal politicians, who noted that Cote is a D-Day veteran who fought on Juno Beach in June, 1944.
Police aren't sure yet whether the robbery was a random attack or whether the suspect knew who he was robbing. Haarbosch says the crime occurred in a quiet neighbourhood and appears to be an isolated incident.
"I can't think of anything like this in my time in the robbery unit," he said.
Haarbosch says the image they have released is a high quality photo of the man's face and they are hoping someone will come forward to identify the suspect.
"We're hoping somebody out there knows who this person is, can put a name to the face and will contact us directly or through Crime Stoppers," Haarbosch said.
