An 89‑year‑old woman is recovering after a violent broad‑daylight robbery in New Westminster’s Queensborough neighbourhood — an incident police describe as “deeply disturbing” and “cowardly.” According to the New Westminster Police Department, officers were called Sunday afternoon after a Good Samaritan found the injured woman in the 1200 block of Dan Lee Avenue. The victim told police she had been walking when a stranger approached her, pulled jewelry off her arm, and pushed her to the ground, causing injuries that required 10 stitches. Surveillance video of the assault was later located by investigators. ‘It was just so close to safety’ The victim’s son, Sukh Sadhre, says his mother has walked this route thousands of times and was only steps away from reaching the safety of her home. “It was just so close to safety, but she couldn’t get that far,” Sadhre said. He shared the neighbour’s surveillance footage with CTV News, showing a man pulling his vehicle up near his mother just moments before the attack. “Seeing her feel helpless is what really hurt,” he said. Violent struggle captured on camera The video shows the suspect attempting to speak to the elderly woman, who continues walking until she stops to take a short break. That is when the man strikes. “I think he knew his time was short to do what he had to do,” Sadhre said. “That’s when he came from behind.” Police say the suspect ripped off several bracelets and a necklace worth $5,000 to $6,000. The jewelry held deep sentimental value, according to the family. “The jewelry that went missing is very sentimental to her because it was given to her by her mom,” said Sadhre. Despite her age, the grandmother of 12 fought back — swinging her cane at the suspect as he continued to pull at her arm. “She defended herself as much as she can, so she has to be proud of that,” her son said. The suspect then fled in his vehicle, leaving the 89‑year‑old with a serious hand injury. Days later, Sadhre says stains from the attack remain on his doorstep. “It could have been a lot worse, but what happened isn’t good either,” he said. Paul Minhas, a city councillor for the City of New Westminster called the incident “disturbing,” adding “it just shows how brazen these so-called thieves are.” ‘Cowardly behaviour’ Police are condemning the assault in harsh terms. “Anyone that’s preying on victims of this age, vulnerable population is cowardly. You will be arrested.” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver, spokesperson of the NWPD. Investigators confirm the victim and suspect did not know each other. Police say they want all residents — especially seniors — to feel safe walking in their own neighbourhoods. “We want our residents, our elderly population, to be able to walk their streets safely,” Leaver said. Search for suspect continues Police describe the suspect as a heavy‑set man, approximately 5′11," and around 260 pounds, wearing a beige hooded sweater, grey pants, black shoes with white soles, and a surgical mask. Anyone with information is asked to contact New Westminster Police at 604‑525‑5411 and reference file 26‑2730. Public safety concerns raised Richmond–Queensborough MLA Steve Kooner says the attack reflects a troubling shift in the province. “We are seeing a public safety crisis that we have never, ever seen in this province ever before,” he said. Kooner told CTV News he is calling on the provincial government to do more. “This provincial government needs to get its priorities straight, and they need to address this crisis in a proactive manner.” Family focused on healing Sadhre says the next challenge for his mother will be regaining her confidence to leave the house on her own again. RELATED STORIES:
