Burnaby RCMP looking for suspect in attack on 75-year-old woman

BURNABY (NEWS 1130) — Police in Burnaby are looking for a man who attacked and choked a 75-year-old woman while she was walking down the street last Thursday afternoon.

At around 2:45 p.m. on May 20, Burnaby RCMP say a stranger approached the woman on Government Street near Keswick Park.

“The victim was choked and was left with abrasions by the attacker. She was taken to hospital, but has since been released,” says a statement from Mounties.

Investigators have released surveillance video from the area showing a man who matches the description of the suspect around the time of the attack.

He is described as a white man in his 30s, with short brown hair, weighing approximately 150 lbs. he was wearing a black face mask and a long coat at the time.

“The long black coat believed to have been worn by the suspect has since been seized after being discovered nearby during the course of the investigation, which has included an extensive neighbourhood canvas,” the statement from police continues.

“It’s believed the suspect may have fled after being spotted by a witness who assisted the victim and called 911.”

Anyone with information is being asked to call Burnaby RCMP at (604) 646-9999. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at solvecrime.ca.