Arrest made in random assaults on elderly women in Vancouver

The Vancouver Police Department says they’ve made an arrest following two random assaults on elderly women last week.

The first victim, 84, was sitting on her walker waiting for a ride on West Broadway near Ash Street when a man kicked her off her seat and walked away, breaking her elbow. The second victim, 70, is wheelchair-bound and was out for a walk with her daughter when she was punched in the face by the same man. She suffered minor injuries.

The VPD say mental health was likely a factor in the attacks.

The 33-year-old man is in custody on separate assault charges unrelated to these attacks and police say they’re continuing to gather evidence to recommend charges.