The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is looking for the driver of a car who may have information relating to a homicide in New Westminster on Wednesday.

Julien Levasseur, 22, is now facing second-degree murder charges in what is believed to be a random and unprovoked attack on 79-year-old Charan Dhandwar. As the suspect was attempting to flee, he was struck by a SUV or van and investigators are now looking for the driver of that vehicle.

Julien Levasseur in a court sketch. Global News

Police were called to the area of 1500 8th Avenue around 7 p.m. after a man was seen attacking Dhandwar. The elderly woman succumbed to her injures at the scene.

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Police were able to track the suspect shortly after the incident and take him into custody.

“It is as a result of the people in the community who reacted quickly and the immediate response of the New Westminster Police Department that the risk to the public was mitigated very quickly,” said Sgt. Stephanie Ashton with IHIT.

“IHIT continues to work in partnership with the New Westminster Police to move this investigation forward.”

They would like to speak to the driver of that vehicle as quickly as possible.

“The New Westminster Police Department is committed to the safety and security of the members of our community,” said New Westminster Police Department Sgt. Chad Johnston,

“This is a tragic and senseless loss to the community and our thoughts are with the family of the victim. The New Westminster Police Department wants to re-iterate there is no further risk to the community as a result of this occurrence and we will continue to work tirelessly to provide a safe environment for everyone.”

The family of Dhandwar said in a statement that they “lost not only our mom but a wife and grandma.” The family representative went on to thank the members of the New Westminster community “who have shown an incredible amount of support at this time of loss” and the police, fire and emergency response crews for catching the suspect so quickly and for making every effort in trying to save their mother.

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Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the IHIT tipline by calling 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca .

If you wish to remain anonymous provide your tip information on the web at solvecrime.ca or by phone at 1-800-222-8477.