Peel police are hoping the public can help identify a man accused of shooting a woman with a crossbow in Mississauga.

It happened a home on Bayberry Dr. around 8 p.m. on November 7, 2018.

Investigators say a 44-year-old woman answered her front door and was met by a man carrying a large box and posing as a delivery person.

Following a brief conversation, the man shot the woman in the chest with an arrow.

Investigators believe the attacker was using the box to conceal a crossbow. “His right arm was inside the box through a hole and he would have used his right hand to trigger the cross bow to fire the shot,” Superintendent Heather Ramore, Peel Regional Police.

Police say the weapon used in the attack is similar to a crossbow that hunter’s use to kill large game such as moose, and deer.

The woman suffered life threatening and life altering injuries in the attack. She was taken to hospital where she has been recovering for several months.

(Image shows a similar crossbow to one used during the attack)

Investigators say her injuries were so traumatic, she will be in a “recovery phase” for the rest of her life.

“It was clear that this attack was meant to end the victim’s life,” said Det. Sgt. Jim Kettles, Peel Regional Police.

Investigators believe the attack was premeditated and targeted based on the short conversation that transpired between the victim and the suspect.

Police are also looking for a dark coloured pickup truck that was seen arriving in the area minutes before the attack and fled a short time later.

Investigators are asking anyone with information that could help police identify the suspect to contact the dedicated tip line of 905-456-5840.