RCMP south of Edmonton are investigating, and have laid a number of charges against a man in his 20s, after a home invasion turned violent and left two people injured.
Wetaskiwin RCMP said the initial incident was reported to police May 21.
It’s believed a man entered the rural home south of Wetaskiwin at about 8 p.m. Tuesday and assaulted the two residents inside.
Police said the suspect then left the house, and fled in the vehicle belonging to the couple.
Both residents, identified later as Dawne Gilchrist, 86, and Marion Gilchrist, 83, were rushed to hospital by paramedics, where they remain.
“She has bruises and some cuts to her head,” The couple’s son, John, said Thursday. “She has a broken cheek bone.”
John said his father had been sedated since the attack, it’s hoped he has no broken bones, but he also suffered some bruising.
The Gilchrist’s are listed in stable condition, and are expected to recover.
RCMP said it’s not clear whether a weapon was used in the attack.
According to the family, another son of the couple was heading to his parents’ house to visit, and found the injured pair.
Investigators later found the stolen vehicle near the house, the suspect was found later that night, and was arrested.
Joshua Piche, 27, of Hobbema, is facing five charges – including two counts of aggravated assault, and one count each of break and enter, and theft of a motor vehicle.
The attack is believed to be completely random.
“This is definitely something that has brought some shock to the community,” Cst. Karolina Malk with Wetaskiwin RCMP said.
Piche remained in police custody; his first court appearance was scheduled for Thursday morning – he will appear in court again June 6.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Wetaskiwin RCMP at 780-312-7267 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
With files from Veronica Jubinville
