Fake deliveryman shoots woman with crossbow hidden inside package, police say

Investigators suggest 'targeted' attack was designed to kill victim at request of unknown individual

Police have released video of a suspected hitman who disguised himself as a delivery person to shoot a woman with a crossbow in an allegedly targeted attack.

Investigators said the "premeditated, targeted and isolated" attack was designed to kill the victim.

The 44-year-old woman, who has not been named, will be in “recovery for the rest of her life” after sustaining life-threatening injuries.

In an attempt to find the attacker, police in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, have released security camera footage of the 7 November incident.

The video shows an unidentified man holding a large package which police said had a crossbow hidden inside.

The victim opened the door and briefly spoke with the man before he fired a large arrow at her.

Investigators are asking anyone who thinks they may know the man, whose face can be seen in the video, to come forward with information.

Despite her injuries, police said the victim was able to phone emergency services.

“The injuries that she sustained were absolutely devastating,” Detective Sergeant Jim Kettles said.

“It involved damage to a lot of her internal organs. She’ll be in recovery phase for the rest of her life… Her life will never be the same.”

Police said the arrow used in the incident is typically used for hunting large game, such as moose and deer, and is designed to “inflict the maximum amount of damage possible”.

“This was most definitely a targeted type of attack,” Mr Kettles added.

Heather Ramore, superintendent at the Peel Region’s police service, said investigators believed the attack was supposed to end the victim’s life.

“Comments made to the victim [by the suspect] indicate the victim was targeted and that the suspect may have carried out the attack at the request of another individual,” Ms Ramore said.

As the suspect did not conceal his face during the attack, investigators said they were hopeful that they would be able to identify the man.

However, police have not yet released a motive for the attack.