Police are appealing for witnesses after a man pepper-sprayed a woman and tried to steal her purse in Richmond city centre.

The 52-year-old Richmond woman was returning to her parked vehicle around 4 p.m. on Friday, June 14, after departing a currency exchange on No. 3 Road, near Saba Road.

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According to Richmond RCMP, the woman was approached by a male suspect, who sprayed her several times with a substance believed to be pepper spray, then fled after unsuccessfully trying to steal her purse.

She was treated for exposure to pepper spray in addition to other, non-life threatening, injuries sustained during the struggle.

Richmond RCMP have released this picture of a man suspected of an attempted robbery in the city centre.

“Our General Investigation Section is very active in this case,” said Cpl. Dennis Hwang.

“The time and location of this incident suggests that many people would have seen or heard something.

“We credit the woman for making as much noise (as possible) to draw help and attention to her.

“Additionally, we ask drivers in the area to review their dashcam footage around the No. 3 Road and Saba Road area. That footage could prove instrumental in identifying the suspect.

The suspect is described as:

• Asian male

• Slim build

• Wearing a dark gray hoodie, sunglasses, baseball cap, and a black duffel bag across his shoulder

Richmond RCMP would like to remind anyone carrying around large sums of cash to be extremely cognizant of their surroundings, to travel with a companion, and to use well-populated paths as opposed to side streets.

Anyone with information on this case, or the suspect, is asked to contact Const. Kunnamkudath of the Richmond RCMP General Investigation Section at 604-278-1212 or email Richmond_Tips@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Quote file# 2019-19311.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).