Woman prevents St. Catharines senior from using Elderly Alert Device during attack

Niagara police are investigating a “heinous offence” after a woman attacked a St. Catharines senior inside her home.

Police say around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, a woman in her late fifties walked into the home of an elderly woman in the area of Facer St. and Brighton Ave.

The intruder approached the senior in her living room and offered to sell her a dress. When the victim told the woman to get out, she refused to leave and went to the victim’s bedroom. The senior tried to stop her and a struggle ensued between the women.

Police say the suspect grabbed the victim’s Elderly Alert Device that was around her neck so she could not call for help. The woman stole cash from the senior’s wallet, pushed her to the ground and fled the area.

She was last seen going eastbound on Facer St. in a white vehicle.

Police describe the suspect as white, aged 55 to 60, approximately five-foot-six, with a medium build. She was wearing a light coloured sun dress during the attack.

Anyone who may have information about this crime is asked to contact Niagara police.