A Langley man was arrested Friday in the brutal assault of a South Surrey senior in her own home last month.
Surrey RCMP are recommending several charges, including aggravated sexual assault, forcible confinement, break-and-enter, robbery with a firearm and disguise with intent.
Stephen Thomas Morse, 42, is not previously known to police.
Morse is currently in custody.
RCMP said Morse became a person of interest in the investigation during the first week of September.
“As soon as he was identified, the Surrey RCMP maintained constant surveillance while detectives continued their investigation to gather evidence to support charges” a written RCMP statement said.
“On behalf of the Surrey RCMP I would like to thank the victim, her family, and the entire community for their tremendous support and assistance in advancing this investigation,” Chief Supt. Bill Fordy said.
“This type of crime is repulsive and I’d like to also acknowledge the men and women that work at this detachment who worked relentlessly to advance this important investigation.”
The “incomprehensible” incident occurred in a Grandview-area home Aug. 12, when a man entered the residence, presented a weapon and restrained the 70-year-old resident.
The intruder demanded cash and other items, but when the woman couldn’t comply, he physically and sexually assaulted her, causing significant injuries, then fled.
Police issued a warning to the community early the next morning, followed by photos of the suspect captured using an ATM in Brookswood on the afternoon of the assault.
A few days later, the victim told Peace Arch News by email that she was getting “stronger every day.”
Surrey RCMP said no further information can be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.
The Surrey RCMP Serious Crime Unit has released a photo of Morse.
Police said they would like to speak with anyone who may have seen Morse or known his whereabouts prior to and after the incident on August 12th, and up to his arrest on Sept. 4.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca. Please quote file #2015-116485
