The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says a man was arrested following a violent crime spree targeting seniors..The crimes started around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday when a 76-year-old man was unsuspectingly punched in the face and knocked down by a stranger while walking near Columbia and West 1st Avenue, police say..The man suffered injuries and was brought to hospital..Minutes after the assault, a 79-year-old woman and her 82-year-old companion were getting out of a vehicle on Athletes Way when the same suspect allegedly snatched the keys and drove away, striking multiple vehicles as he fled..Witnesses called 911 and flagged down police officers who, within minutes, located and stopped the stolen car before arresting the driver near Victoria and East 33rd Avenue..VPD says the unidentified man, 41, is also wanted for crimes in Alberta and Ontario and was taken to jail for robbery, assault, theft, and driving offences..Hypodermic needle-stabbings, unsuspecting sucker punches, and other forms of violence are among the various incidents contributing to Vancouver residents feeling increasingly unsafe..VPD highlighted in May violent crime in Vancouver increased more than 7% in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels, noting an average of four random attacks were happening per day..WATCH: Vancouver man attacked at knifepoint
