NORTH Vancouver RCMP are investigating an assault and attempted robbery that occurred over the weekend and appealing to the public to help identify the suspect.

On September 7 at approximately 2:50 p.m., police responded to reports of a robbery and assault taking place outside a pharmacy in the 1200-block of Marine Drive in North Vancouver.

It is alleged that an unidentified male attempted to steal items from a woman’s handbag that was hanging from her mobility scooter while she was stopped outside the pharmacy. An altercation ensued and the victim and a bystander that intervened were subsequently assaulted by the suspect. The suspect then departed eastbound along Marine Drive.

It is also alleged that the suspect stated he had a gun, though no firearm was brandished or observed during the incident. No items were stolen but one of the victims attended Lions Gate Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

“This was an extremely frightening incident for the two victims involved and we’re thankful things didn’t escalate further,” said Constable Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for North Vancouver RCMP. “Investigators are releasing a still image of the suspect caught on CCTV in hopes that someone will recognize him and call the police.”

The suspect is described as an Indigenous male wearing a dark backpack, black baseball cap, beige shorts, black high-top sneakers and a grey long sleeve hoodie.

Anyone who witnessed or has video of the incident and has not spoken to police is asked to contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file 2024-18369.