North Vancouver RCMP are asking the public to help ID a suspect they say assaulted a senior in a local park.
The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. on July 27 at Dudley Place Playground in Edgemont Village. According to police, a man in his 80s came into the playground area to dispose of dog poop bag, which upset the suspect.
“It’s alleged that the suspect tackled the victim from behind and began to punch him while on top of him,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak, North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson. “It’s a serious allegation.”
Witnesses who were in the park intervened and the man immediately got up and left. He was last seen leaving the area, going north on Thorncliffe Drive on foot. He had a young child riding a bicycle with him.
Paramedics took the senior to the hospital where he was treated for “minor but still serious” injuries and later released, Sahak said.
On Tuesday, investigators opted to release surveillance video of the suspect captured at a nearby home. Sahak said the man likely lives in the neighbourhood and they are hoping he – or someone who recognizes him – will come forward.
“This is an opportunity for the suspect to do the right thing, come forward and provide their version of the events,” he said. “So we can have a complete, full investigation.”
Anyone who witnessed or has video of the incident and has not spoken to police is asked to contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file 24-15071.
