Vernon senior shoved during attempted carjacking

Photo: Contributed

An Ontario man is in custody after an 81-year-old woman was assaulted during an attempted carjacking in Vernon, Wednesday.

Shortly before 10 a.m., Vernon RCMP converged on a 58th Avenue parking lot.

“The victim, an 81-year-old woman, was loading items into her vehicle when an unknown man allegedly pushed her out of the way and entered her vehicle in an attempt to steal it,” Const. Chris Terleski said in a press release.

The victim called out for help, and two people came to her aid, confronting the suspect, who then fled on foot.

The witnesses continued to follow the man and directed police to his location, where he was arrested and taken into custody.

“A heartfelt thank you goes out to the individuals who came to the assistance of the victim and assisted our officers in apprehending the person responsible for this despicable act,” said Terleski.

“The victim, although not physically injured, was certainly impacted by the whole ordeal.”

The suspect, a 49-year-old Ontario man, remains in custody pending further investigation.