RCMP seeking public assistance in attempted robbery of an elderly person

North Vancouver

2023-01-30 15:13 PST

File # 23-1545

The North Vancouver RCMP are seeking public assistance to identity a suspect involved in an attempted robbery of an elderly person at Victoria park on January 24th just after 1 pm.

An elderly woman had planned to meet with someone from Facebook Marketplace to sell her phone. They met at Victoria Park located at 150 E Keith Rd in North Vancouver. During the exchange, the suspect pepper sprayed the victim and attempted to take her phone. The suspect was unsuccessful, and fled without the phone west from the park.

Officers immediately flooded the area in an effort to locate the suspect, but were unsuccessful. The victim in this case has recovered and did not incur any serious injuries.

We are now appealing to the public for help in order to further the investigation.

The suspect is described as:

Caucasian male 22-25 years old
Clean shaven
Approximately 160 lbs
Slim build
Narrow nose
Wearing long yellow hooded rain jacket
Shouldering a black backpack
Black pants
Black sneakers with red and white coloring

If anyone is making an in-person transaction via Facebook Marketplace or other online services, the North Vancouver RCMP encourage them to make their exchanges at a safe zone outside the detachment located at 147 E 14th St., North Vancouver, said Cst. Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver RCMP. It’s a much safer place.

Buy and sell exchange zone, area under 24/7 surveillance sign in front of North Vancouver RCMP detachement.