Senior assaulted in daytime carjacking

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This article was published 21/09/2022 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg police are searching for a suspect after a senior was assaulted during a carjacking on a residential street in Norwood East.

The 72-year-old woman went to her parked vehicle on Horace Street, just west of Tache Avenue, at about 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, when a man confronted her, police said Thursday.

The suspect tried to take her keys from her hand, punched her and eventually dragged her from the vehicle and drove off, police said.

The woman was taken to hospital in stable condition.

“The carjacking itself is concerning, but I think there’s an extra level of unease considering the age of the victim,” Winnipeg Police Service Const. Jay Murray said.

“She’s likely somebody who’s more vulnerable and I think when you hear of crimes committed against our older population, it’s certainly distressing — it’s very distressing to hear.”

Murray said it appears no one had witnessed the confrontation and theft.

“There were no calls from members of the public reporting it. We’ve had a team of investigators out in the area, they’re certainly canvassing the area, whether it’s for anyone that may have seen anything or video surveillance,” he said.

Julie Wiebe, 26, who has worked as a receptionist at a nearby business for about two years, was worried to learn of the incident down the block and in the middle of the day.

“Realistically, it could have been any of our vehicles, it could have been mine, it could have been my co-workers. We have patients who park just in front of the building,” she said. “At that age, it could have been worse.”

Wiebe added the neighbourhood has become a rougher area, of late.

Investigators have not yet found the stolen SUV, a green 2014 Subaru Forester, with Manitoba licence plate FCM 461, nor the suspect.

Police described the man as 20 to 30 years old, about six feet, with an average build. He had dark, shoulder-length hair and fair skin. He was wearing all black clothing.

Major crimes investigators are handling the case and ask anyone with information to call the unit at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @erik_pindera