VPD search for suspect linked to violent, targeted attack
Posted July 12, 2019 8:32 am.
Last Updated July 12, 2019 10:12 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The desperate search for at least one of several people involved in a home invasion late last year is ramping up as investigators reveal three new surveillance images. They’re asking for the public to take a close look at the pictures in hopes of getting one step closer to an arrest in this case.
On the night of Nov. 30th, 2018, at least five people — disguised in masks and hoods and at least two of them armed — forced their way into a home in the area of Ontario Street and West 49th Avenue.
Once inside, they restrained the couple inside, a 56-year-old man and his 35-year-old wife. The pair were assaulted as their toddler slept upstairs, unaware of what was happening.
Vancouver Police Sergeant Jason Robillard says it took them several months to publicly release these images after exhausting other leads.
“Our investigators have to weigh very carefully when they think it’s necessary to release information to the public and weigh that with whether or not it will benefit the investigation or hinder it. In this case, it wasn’t necessary and it would not have benefitted the investigation to release any information publicly until today.”
Robillard wouldn’t divulge what it was about this man that makes investigators think he’s one those responsible. “I can’t get into the specifics of the investigation right now, it’s still very active [and] it’s still very much ongoing. But we are able to say that our investigators believe that this one of the men involved in the home invasion.”
Do you recognize this man? #VPD needs your help to identify a suspect in a violent home invasion in November 2018. Please call 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 with any information. https://t.co/3K5lgrjyKV pic.twitter.com/uCaBLIxgVV
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) July 12, 2019
The fact the suspects committed the crime with a child in the home is concerning for police. “It’s very troubling. Our investigators have put a lot of work into this file. This is a priority investigation for us and we’re hoping to solve it but we need your help,” adds Robillard. “Our detectives have put a lot of the pieces together but, unfortunately, I just can’t get into exactly how that looks, but we still need your help.”
The possible motive is not being released right now.
The man was seriously injured, his wife had minor injuries and their child was never harmed.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the VPD at 604.717.2541 or Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477.)
