VPD seeks suspects in ‘despicable’ attack on elderly woman

Vancouver police are investigating the alleged attempted robbery of an 84-year-old woman, saying the senior was likely targeted because she was vulnerable.

Vancouver police have released surveillance footage in an effort to identify two suspects linked to the attempted robbery of an 84-year-old woman.

The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, near the intersection of Homer and West Pender streets.

Police say the victim was standing alone with a cane when a man and woman approached her, and accused her of stealing from them.

They allege one tried to take the woman’s cane, while the other went for her purse.

“This kind of crime is despicable,” Sgt. Steve Addison told CTV News.

“These suspects used violence and force, and we are doing everything we can to identify and hold them accountable.”

The victim’s daughter, who had briefly stepped away to get something from her car, saw the confrontation and ran over to help her mother.

Police believe a bystander also stepped in, and in the end the suspects took off with nothing.

Both the senior and her daughter were taken to hospital as a precaution and are expected to be okay.

As for the suspects, the female is described as having long dark hair, multiple tattoos on her arms, and was wearing a brown T-shirt with a logo and black pants.

The male also has long brown hair and was wearing a grey T-shirt and grey pants.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information to call 604-717-4021.

Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with the Good Samaritan who helped intervene.

“We believe someone knows who these people are,” said Addison.

“This was a strong armed robbery in which these people used violence and force to try to steal this woman’s purse,” he said.