Burnaby RCMP is looking for help from the public to identify a woman caught on video approaching an 84-year-old woman and tripping her.
The incident happened on April 3 on Central Boulevard near the Metrotown Skytrain Station.
The victim was shaken but not seriously injured, according to police.
Police have released a video of the incident in the hope someone will be able to help identify the suspect – a woman in a face mask with dark brown hair, carrying a beige purse and wearing black tights, a long, dark, puffy jacket and light shoes.
“While the suspect’s face is not clear in the video, police are hopeful that those who know the suspect may recognize something from the video that will assist us in identifying her,” stated a police press release Thursday.
Police said they don’t have any information to indicate the 84-year-old victim was targeted because she is Asian.
Because of recent racist incidents targeting members of the Asian community, however, investigators are pursuing it as “an active investigative avenue,” according to the release.
“There is no place for crimes of this nature in our city,” Chief Supt. Deanne Burleigh said. “We want every resident of Burnaby to know that our officers are diligently investigating every complaint being made to us.”
Burnaby RCMP has stepped up foot and bicycle patrols in crime hotspots across the city in recent weeks, according to the release, and police are asking the public to speak out and report crimes targeting members of the Asian community
Anyone with information about the April 3 incident is asked to contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at 1800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.
