Police are asking for help to identify a suspect who allegedly pepper sprayed a 74-year-old woman during what she thought was a Facebook Marketplace sale.
Now, a $5,000 reward is being offered through Crime Stoppers if information leads to the arrest and charge of the suspect.
According to North Vancouver RCMP, the incident happened Jan. 24 just after 1 p.m. in Victoria Park. The woman had planned to meet with someone to sell her phone near 150 Keith Rd. E.
During the exchange, the suspect pepper sprayed the woman and tried to take her phone, police said. But he 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,” reads a statement from Crime Stoppers. “We are now appealing to the public for help in order to further the investigation.”
The woman didn’t suffer any serious injuries, police said.
The suspect is described as:
• Caucasian male, 22-25 years old,
• clean shaven,
• around 160 pounds,
• slim build,
• narrow nose,
• wearing long yellow hooded rain jacket,
• shouldering a black backpack,
• black pants, and
• black sneakers with red and white colouring.
People with any information are advised to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously: “You could be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000 upon arrest and charge. You will never be asked your name or have to appear in court.”
If anyone is making an in-person transaction via Facebook Marketplace or other online services, North Vancouver RCMP encourage them to make their exchanges at a safe zone outside the detachment.
“We welcome people to do their exchanges there,” Sgt. Peter DeVries said. “It’s a much safer place.”
If you have information and wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, on their website or download the P3 Tips app.
