Investigators would like to speak with a person who was seen near the area of where a violent home invasion took place over the weekend.
According to Sarnia police, the incident happened on Earlscourt Drive around 2 a.m. on Saturday, when a male suspect broke into the home while an elderly male and his wife were asleep.
The 81-year-old man was reportedly attacked by the suspect with a knife, leaving him with lacerations to his head and defensive injuries to his hands. He was taken to hospital after the attack where police said he required approximately 100 stitches. He also suffered a skull fracture during the ordeal. Police have not reported any injuries sustained by the victim’s wife.
“Despite the severity of his injuries, he has been treated medically and is now recovering at home with family,” read a statement issued Monday by Sarnia police officials. “Police do not believe that the victim was known to the suspect, nor was the victim specifically targeted.”
Officers have since obtained and released video footage of a person of interest in the investigation. Police believe the home invasion suspect may have also tried to gain access to other garages and houses around the same time the robbery took place.
“The level of violence inflicted on this unsuspecting and vulnerable victim is deeply upsetting. I am also concerned about the randomness of this attack and the public safety risks inherent with that,” said Chief Derek Davis. “Until this suspect is in custody, area residents are asked to ensure their properties are secured and to remain vigilant within their neighbourhood.
Chief Davis added that investigators have dedicated all available investigative and patrol resources to the probe and hope to bring the matter to a conclusion shortly.
“Any suspicions observations or information pertaining to this matter should be reported to police immediately,” said Davis.
Residents in the area are being asked to review any security camera activity on July 22 between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m.
While the person in the footage is not considered a suspect at this time, officers would like to speak with them as soon as possible.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-344-8861, extension: 5300, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or online at sarnialambtoncrimestoppers.org.