Vancouver police are searching for a group of suspects they say attacked a senior in Chinatown in an unsuccessful attempt to steal her purse.
Police say the 85-year-old woman was walking up the east side of Main approaching Keefer Street around 9:30 in the morning on May 22 when a man elbowed her to the ground.
She broke her hip, and police say that’s when two other men joined in, and attempted to take her handbag.
The victim is now recovering in hospital.
"It’s a very predatory crime," said Const. Steve Addison. "It strikes a new low."
Addison said it appears the woman may have landed on her purse when she fell, and that her attackers eventually gave up and ran off east on Keefer.
Detectives are searching for witnesses and surveillance video, but so far have not been able to identify the attackers.
Police describe the suspect who knocked the victim down as a white male, about 40 years old, 5’10", who was wearing glasses, a tan hat, and a blue shirt.
They describe a second man as an Indigenous man in his 50s, who has long grey hair and was carrying a red Budweiser bag.
Locals like Regina Nufable, who says she regularly runs errands in the neighbourhood, say they’re surprised by the level of violence, especially during daylight hours.
"I usually look around me just to make sure," Nufable said. "And I usually have my cane with me," adding that she wouldn’t hesitate to use it as against anyone who approached.
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call VPD at 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
