WARMINGTON: Walls closing in on second suspect in vicious attack on 87-year-old

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The man who mugged Lily Gibson in the Annex Thanksgiving Day may think he’s home free.

He may find it noteworthy that Toronto police have not forgotten, but have developed some new leads.

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WARMINGTON: Walls closing in on second suspect in vicious attack on 87-year-old Back to video

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When you are dealing with an 87-year-old victim, it’s kind of like that. Gangsters shooting each other is one thing, but attack a grandmother and the community galvanizes.

“This investigation is very much active,” said Det. Cameron Ross from 14 Division.

In fact some new lanes have been opened up — there is a new twist the whole sinister crime.

It seems police have identified a second suspect. This person did not partake directly in the sneak attack on Gibson, but was a financial beneficiary of the crime itself.

“Within minutes this person had the victim’s credit card and was able to use it in several locations before it was cancelled,” said Gibson.

One of the places he used the stolen credit card was at the Rexall Pharmacy on Bloor Street W. and Brunswick Ave.

The good news for him is they sell gift cards to allow for more purchases once the credit is deactivated.

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The bad news is they have cameras inside and out.

Security images show him wearing a blue jacket with a hoodie, over what looks like a toque.

He appears to be dressed in green sweatpants, white-skinned with a moustache and stocky build.

The sneak attack alleged mugger was wearing a dark-coloured combined with red sweatshirt with a hoodie. He appears to be a black male with with a thin build.

“We believe they know each other,” said Ross.

This means if police can get a tip on one perhaps there could be a tip soon after on the other.

They would like to apprehend them before any more seniors are targeted.

If you recognize either, call Ross at 14 Division or go through anonymous Crime Stoppers.

I realize some people think this is a minor crime and want to talk root causes and income inequality, but I don’t agree those spins apply here.

These are men who allegedly preyed on an elderly woman who has lived in the area for 55 years to satisfy their needs.

After the Brampton grandfather that was knifed to death over kids stealing change from his car, I will never consider these kinds of thefts or robberies minor again.

This was a major crime because it strikes to the very core of what we treasure in Toronto and the whole GTA — a safe lifestyle where you don’t worry about being accosted when walking in your own neighbourhood or anywhere.

This lifestyle is what is at risk.

jwarmington@postmedia.com