Elderly woman assaulted

by Kathleen Stinson

CAREFREE – An 85‑year‑old Carefree woman was assaulted while walking alone near her home on Monday, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Authorities would not release the identity of the victim.

The victim was walking along Tranquil Trail just north of Cave Creek Road at about 6 a.m. when she was attacked by an unknown male, said Sgt. Jim Kempher, MCSO public information officer.

The woman was about one mile from her house and 50 yards from another residence when the physical assault took place, he related.

“The area where she was attacked is a really low crime area and this is unusual,” Kempher stated.

The unidentified perpetraitor approached the woman, dragged her into the desert and severely beat her, he said. MCSO was unsure if the victim was robbed.

The woman was discovered by a Carefree resident at about 11 a.m. in a wash about 12 feet from the road, according to MCSO. The victim, suffering from life‑threatening injuries, was taken to Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center. She is expected to recover.

The suspect is described as a 6‑foot 1‑inch tall male in his forties, about 150 pounds, and was wearing tan pants and a T‑shirt, Kempher said.

Anyone with information should call the MCSO special victim’s unit at (602) 876‑1087.

Reach the reporter at kathleen@thedesertadvocate.com.