A 23-year-old man is in custody and facing charges after police say an elderly B.C. woman was killed in what appears to be a random and unprovoked attack.

The New Westminster police were called by residents to the area of 1500 Eighth Avenue around 7 p.m. on June 3. The woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Police did not say how her injuries were caused.

Jamie Innes lives near where the killing took place and said she saw the man she thinks may have been the attacker.

"My boyfriend and I walked up the hill and we saw like 10 cops over [the] top of the guy, strapping him down to a stretcher," Innes told CBC News.

"It's kind of terrifying, because this is usually a really good quiet neighbourhood," said Innes. "And it's really terrifying that something like this could happen here."

'Senseless loss'

Police said the the suspect was struck by an SUV or a van while he was attempting to flee from the scene. Integrated Homicide Investigation Team investigators are now looking for the male driver of that vehicle, which may have sustained some damage, so that they can get his statement.

"Our hope is to gather enough evidence to get a better picture of who he is and why he was in that area at the time," said IHIT Sgt. Stephanie Ashton.

It appears the victim was simply out for her evening walk when she was attacked.

"This is a tragic and senseless loss to the community and our thoughts are with the family of the victim," said New Westminster police Sgt. Chad Johnston.

He also added that although the attack appears to be random, there is no further risk to the public.

"I would suggest that at this time, with one person in custody, that the community here does not have anything to be concerned about."