The suspect accused of randomly assaulting an elderly woman in the 3300-block of Oak Street on Wednesday has been arrested.
Michelle Andrea Monette was arrested and charged with assaulting a peace officer and remains in custody until June.
Det. Sgt. Damian Kowalewich told CHEK News that Monette was arrested after officers suspected her to be responsible for shoving an elderly woman as she was walking on a sidewalk.
Although the victim did not remain at the scene, a witness to the incident called police with information that helped identify Monette as the suspect.
It was during the arrest, Kowalewich said, that Monette assaulted an officer. However, because the elderly victim did not remain at the scene, Kowalewich says there likely won’t be any charges related to her alleged assault unless they can find her and interview her.
“It’s hard to proceed with a prosecution without a victim,” he said.
Kowalewich said officers want to connect with her, check on her well-being and offer her resources she may need.
Monette’s next court date is June 1.
VIDEO UPDATE ON RANDOM ASSAULT: Please help us ID our victim in this file. pic.twitter.com/JfbBJWGU7H
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) May 27, 2022
An earlier version of this story appears below
Saanich Police are searching for a suspect accused of randomly assaulting an elderly woman on Wednesday.
Police were notified just after 6 p.m. that a woman walking on the sidewalk in the 3300-block of Oak Street near Saanich Road was pushed to the ground.
Investigators believe the attack was random, and say the victim did not remain at the scene and has not been identified.
“We are encouraging this person to contact the Saanich Police, as well as any witnesses or individuals who may have dashcam footage,” police said in a news release.
Anyone with information is asked to call Saanich Police at 250-475-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
CHEK News
