Tips in the brutal assault of a South Surrey senior three weeks ago have waned, but police continue to investigate all possible leads in their effort to identify and locate the perpetrator.
“It is a priority, it was a horrific crime,” Staff Sgt. Dale Carr said Wednesday.
“We’re hoping as we’re sifting through bits of information and details (that) we come across something that leads us to… an arrest and charge.
“But we’re not there yet.”
The “incomprehensible” incident occurred in a Grandview-area home Aug. 12, when a man entered the home, presented a weapon and restrained the 70-year-old resident.
The intruder demanded cash and other items, but when the woman couldn’t comply, he physically and sexually assaulted her, causing significant injuries, then fled.
The victim was able to free herself from the restraints, and police were alerted just before 2 p.m.
Police issued a warning to the community early the next morning, followed by photos of the suspect captured using an ATM in Brookswood on the afternoon of the assault.
A few days later, the victim told Peace Arch News by email that she was getting “stronger every day.”
Carr confirmed there is no new information to share with the public. At the same time, while residents may feel like it is taking police a long time to solve the crime, in reality, the case is still quite new, he said.
“People have that expectation that we’re going to solve it right away,” Carr said. “We’ve been fortunate with some. Some, they take up to a year.”
Carr said up to 20 investigators are working on the file on any given day. It’s one that the detachment’s officer in charge, Chief Supt. Bill Fordy, won’t let slip, he said.
“If he isn’t updated (every day), he’s asking about it,” Carr said.
Carr acknowledged a resolution is important to the community.
“It’s high-priority not only for police, but it’s high-priority for this community,” he said. “They want this guy held accountable.”
Anyone with unreported details that could advance the investigation is asked to contact the Surrey detachment at 604-599-0502.