Cops Hunt Suspect Who Shot Woman With A Crossbow While Disguised As Deliveryman

After ringing the bell and speaking with the woman, the suspect fires an arrow from a crossbow concealed by the box into her chest.

April 17, 2019
Crossbow suspect/security video screenshot [Peel Regional Police]

Photo by: Crossbow suspect/security video screenshot [Peel Regional Police]

Crossbow suspect/security video screenshot [Peel Regional Police]

By: Mike McPadden

TORONTO, CANADA — Authorities in Canada have released security video of a suspect disguised as a deliveryman who shot a woman with a crossbow on her own front porch. Police believe she was specifically targeted in the attack.

On the video, a man wearing a baseball cap carries a large cardboard box up to the victim’s front door. After ringing the bell and speaking with the woman, the suspect fires an arrow from a crossbow concealed by the box into her chest. He then flees with the box.

The attack occurred at 8 P.M. on November 7. The 44-year-old victim, who has not been identified, managed to shut the door and call 911. She was then rushed to a hospital, where she remained for months, being treated for life-threatening injuries.

Peel Regional Police Detective Sergeant Jim Kettles said, “The injuries that she sustained were absolutely devastating. It involved damage to a lot of her internal organs. She’ll be in recovery phase for the rest of her life.… Her life will never be the same.”

Police Superintendent Heather Raymor told the press, “Comments made to the victim (by the suspect) indicate the victim was targeted and that the suspect may have carried out the attack at the request of another individual. It is clear that this attack was meant to end the victim’s life.”

Authorities pointed out that, on the video, the suspect’s baseball hat and shoes are distinctive. They could not identify their brands, but they hope those images my trigger someone’s memory. The suspect also may have been wearing a wig under his hat, and police think he may have escaped in a dark-colored pickup truck.

Kettles added that the victim is “in a place of safety” while investigators both look for the suspect and try to nail down a motive for the attack. He said, “We are open to anything at this point, and we are looking at all possible investigative avenues.”

Information can be called in to police anonymously through Peel Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.

Read more: Toronto Star, WPSD

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