Edmonton Police have arrested and charged a man in his 30s in the violent assault of a 79-year-old woman in her own home in November.
Police arrested 36-year-old Gabriel Dale Cardinal on Tuesday, and laid several charges on Wednesday, including:
- Sexual assault causing bodily harm
- Unlawful confinement
- Theft under $5,000
The charges stem from an attack on an elderly woman in the early morning of November 29.
The suspect reportedly broke into the 79-year-old woman's home in the Parkdale neighbourhood in the early morning hours.
The woman was attacked in her home.
She was taken to hospital, treated, and released later that day.
At the time, investigators weren't sure if the attack was motivated by theft or if the woman was a target.
Days later, a composite sketch of the suspect was released.
Investigators said the community and the victim are relieved to hear about the arrest.
"We have spoken to the complainant, she is aware that the arrest has been made," Staff Sgt. Deb Jolly with the EPS Sexual Assault section said Thursday. "As you can well understand she is still very shaken by what has happened to her,
"Her life will never be the same again."
Cardinal is still in custody, and has been scheduled to appear in court on January 9, 2012.
With files from Jeanette LaBrie
