Abbotsford police are on the hunt for the person responsible for assaulting an elderly woman at Ellwood Park on Thursday (July 16).
The incident occurred at approximately 6:40 a.m. and involved a woman in her 70s who was assaulted while in the washroom.
Abbotsford Police Department media relations officer Sgt. Paul Walker said the victim was able to get help after the suspect finished assaulting her and fled the area.
“The female was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,” said Walker.
While the woman has since been released from the hospital, Walker said she was still dealing with quite a bit of trauma and continues to recover at home.
Details about the suspect are very limited, with police only revealing that the individual is believed to be a man.
“The assault was very isolated in a washroom facility in the early morning hours,” said Walker.
“Investigators are currently conducting an extensive video canvass of the area in an effort to identify the suspect and gather additional evidence.”
Anyone who might have seen something suspicious in the vicinity of Ellwood Park between 6 and 7:30 a.m. on Thursday is encouraged to contact Abbotsford police at 604-859-5225.
Initial evidence indicates this was a random assault, which Walker said he understands might create some unease for those who attend Abbotsford parks.
“Our teams are working diligently to solve this case and apprehend the person responsible,” said Walker.
“Our officers continue to do foot patrols, not only in Ellwood Park, but also in other parks throughout Abbotsford to show a visible presence and deter any type of criminal activity.”