Toronto police search for suspect who allegedly shot elderly woman in the face with pellet gun

Toronto police are asking for help in identifying a person who they say shot a 76-year-old woman several times in the face with a pellet gun in Scarborough.

In a news release, police said the victim was walking on Hupfield Trail in East Malvern late Wednesday morning when the alleged assault happened.

According to police, the assailant approached the woman on foot from behind and as they passed, turned and shot her with the pellet gun before running away.

The victim had injuries to her face and hands. Shortly after the attack, she turned up outside Mary Shadd Public School asking for help. She was taken to hospital for treatment, paramedics said.

Police described the suspect as wearing a three quarter-length grey jacket, black pants, and dark clothing covering their face and head. Police are investigating the attack as an aggravated assault.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto police or to leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.

Toronto police released this image of a suspect in an alleged aggravated assault in Scarborough on Feb. 28, 2024. (Toronto Police Services handout)