File photo.
Nanaimo RCMP are searching for a suspect after a woman in her late 70s confronted a masked intruder in her Winchester Avenue home on Monday evening.
The woman told police that at about 8 pm, she had momentarily stepped outside to close the gate on her home and when she returned she was confronted by the man wearing a balaclava that covered most of his face.
The suspect pushed her into the nearest bedroom and demanded her purse. She refused to hand it over and pushed back. After more pushing and yelling she ran to her neighbours and called 911.
The suspect left empty-handed
RCMP say officers, along with police dog services, were on scene within four minutes but were unable to locate the suspect.
“The senior had some bumps and bruises but overall, was no worse for wear given what she had been through,” said Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O’Brien
The suspect was wearing a dark coloured balaclava and is approximately 5’5″ with a slim build and wearing dark clothing
This is the second incident in the past week at the same residence where the woman has lived for more than 50 years
On Saturday, the woman called police to report her jewellery box had been moved from her bedside table and found in another room. The box had been emptied of its contents. Three rings, including her wedding rings, some cash and her debit card are missing
No suspects have been identified in this incident and, for now, police say the two crimes are not being definitively linked.
The Nanaimo RCMP Victim Services have reached out to the senior and are assisting her.
Anyone with information on either of the two crimes is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Ben O'Hara
