A woman has been charged for allegedly posing as a police officer after a senior citizen was robbed in Hamilton, Ont. last week.
In a statement released on Thursday, Hamilton police said a woman gained access to a 79-year-old's apartment building by posing as an officer. The 79-year-old building resident was told over the buzzer system that a police officer was there to speak with her. As she had spoken to police recently over another matter, she let the person in.
When someone knocked on the elderly woman's door, she opened it slightly, and a woman shoved the senior citizen with both hands. Once inside, the suspect searched the apartment.
A man heard the commotion and was able to hold the suspect while the police were called. Once the police arrived, she broke free and tried to escape, but was caught by police and taken into custody.
Police have charged 34-year-old Shannan Macquire with personating a peace officer, robbery and assault among other charges.
Authorities believe there may be other elderly victims who were targeted at senior care facilities in the area.
Investigators have linked the suspect to another incident at the same apartment building last month during which a woman posed as a nurse and robbed a woman of her purse.
Anyone with information should contact police at 905-546-3821.
