A violent repeat offender almost murders an innocent senior citizen in Edmonton Canada.

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has charged a 41-year-old man following a violent random assault that occurred in central Edmonton last week.

According to a news release by EPS, on July 11, a 60-year-old man walking to a gas station in 92 Street and Jasper Avenue was violently assaulted to the point of unconsciousness by a 41-year-old male seated outside the gas station without any provocation.

After a brief lull in the assault, the suspect then began choking the man with a shopping bag.

The EPS Downtown Branch BEATS team heard shouts for help from the gas station and immediately responded to assist. Officers challenged the suspect, who did not comply and fled on foot. Following a short foot chase, he was eventually taken into custody, the release stated.

EMS transported the 60-year-old man to hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. He has since been released.

The 41-year-old suspect identified as Storm Saskatchewan, was also taken to the hospital as a precaution. The suspect and victim were not known to one another, according to EPS.

Saskatchewan was remanded and charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder. He has a lengthy and sometimes violent criminal history and intoxication by drugs is believed to have been a factor in this incident, said police officials.