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A 59-year-old man who posted jewelry for sale online remains in hospital with “life-altering injuries” after he was attacked during a robbery in his Vancouver apartment six months ago.
The victim posted inexpensive items for sale on the personals website Craigslist last November, according to police.
Const. Brian Montague, spokesman for Vancouver police, said the victim received “life-altering injuries” during the robbery from which he will likely never fully recover.
“He was a true victim here,” Montague told reporters. “He suffered head and facial trauma and he was knocked unconscious. We believe he was unconscious for well over an hour before he was able to have the ability to walk to a neighbour and ask for help.”
The assault happened around 5:35 p.m. on Nov. 11 at an apartment in East Vancouver. Police aren’t releasing the exact location to protect the victim’s identity.
During the robbery, police said the suspect stole several items from the apartment and fled undetected.
Police believe the suspect was responding to the victim’s Craigslist ad for items on sale. The victim had a history of posting items for trinkets and costume jewelry, but it was unclear in the ads that they were inexpensive items, Montague said.
“The suspect may have been under the impression that he was in possession of expensive pieces of jewelry and this may have been the motivation in the attack,” he said.
On Tuesday, police took the rare and unusual step of releasing the victim’s photo, with his consent, as a warning to people buying and selling goods online.
“If you can meet someone in a public place, we encourage you to do so,” Montague said.
Police also released surveillance video photos of a suspect, described as white, between 25 and 30 years old, and five-foot-nine with a medium build.
He was wearing a black baseball hat with a green brim and yellow “DC” logo with the sticker still on it, a dark grey jacket with a grey hooded sweatshirt underneath, black track pants with a thick white stripe down the side and white runners with black laces. The suspect was also carrying an empty brown bag, police said.
Vancouver Police ask that anyone with information call them at 604-717 2541, or, if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Agencies/Canadajournal
