A 16-year-old boy was arrested Tuesday following a severe assault on an immediate family member in West Vancouver, which police are now investigating as an attempted murder.
Police received a report late Tuesday afternoon that an assault was taking place in an apartment in the 2000 block of Bellevue Avenue. The 59-year-old female victim was able to escape her apartment and was brought to West Vancouver Police headquarters with the help of a friend, while the suspect was quickly arrested.
Const. Jeff Palmer, media relations officer with the West Vancouver Police, said the youth who was arrested is known to officers.
Following further investigation, police were able to find evidence that a weapon was used in the attack, said Palmer. Based on the investigation, police are alleging the assault was in an attempt to murder the victim. Police would not say what the alleged victim and suspect’s specific family relationship was.
Following an appearance before a Judicial Justice of the Peace, the suspect is being held at the Youth Detention Centre in Burnaby, where a psychiatric examination will take place before the teen is scheduled to make an appearance in North Vancouver provincial court Friday morning.
Police will be recommending charges including attempted murder, uttering threats and assault with a weapon.
The alleged victim suffered abrasions and extensive bruising but is expected to make a full recovery.
