Police in Vancouver are searching for suspects and witnesses after the violent robbery of a 75-year-old man in the city’s Downtown Eastside. Investigators say the incident happened around 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, when the senior, who lives in the area, was attacked and robbed while out for a walk near the intersection of East Hastings Street and Jackson Avenue. “The suspects are still out there,” said Const. Megan Lui of the Vancouver Police Department on Thursday. Police said at least two assailants were involved in the attack, with one suspect pushing the victim to the ground and punching him in the face before stealing his belongings. The victim followed the suspects in an attempt to recover his property, police said. During a second confrontation, he was slammed into a wall before the suspects fled the area. “The victim does have serious injuries,” Lui told CTV News. “This is a traumatic incident for anyone to go through.” Police said several witnesses called to report the crime. The victim was transported to hospital with a head injury, bruises and abrasions, but has since been released. “We are asking anyone who witnessed the robbery or has information that could assist investigators to come forward,” Lui said. “We want to identify those responsible and hold them accountable.” Police released surveillance video of the second confrontation, which captures the victim being slammed against the wall. “The video we have shared with the public is the only video we have” of the suspects, Lui said. “Our hope is that the video will help us track them down.” Anyone with information about the incident or the suspects is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541.
