On July 30th 2011 a New Westminster Police officer responded to a complaint of a distraught male in Queens Park. As the officer approached a picnic table, a male seated at the table suddenly lunged at the officer slashing him with a knife; the officer received facial injuries requiring medical attention. The officer was able to disarm the male who then fled on foot towards McBride Blvd and East 6th Avenue where he was last seen. The police are appealing to the public to assist in locating this male described as follows:

• Black male
• 25 to 30 years old
• 6’ 4”, 250 lbs
• Muscular build
• Black hair, shaved on sides with a “fade” on the right side of head
• Brown eyes
• No shirt
• Forest green and black camouflage cargo shorts
• White socks
• White Nikes with a dark colour “swoosh”

If you have any information about this assault, please call the New Westminster Police tip line at 604.529.2430.

New Westminster Police are investigating a purse snatching mid day yesterday. A female was walking on Front Street when two males grabbed her purse and ran off. New Westminster Police wish to remind the public that your personal safety should be a consideration at any time of the day. 

• Plan your route to avoid isolated areas
• Be alert and sure of yourself
• Use a money belt or pouch to conceal important documents
• If you wear a lanyard or strap around your neck, ensure it has a quick release mechanism.

For additional tips on personal safety several excellent brochures are available at New Westminster Police.

The New Westminster Police are investigating a stabbing in the 400 block of Columbia Street that occurred at about 23:30 hrs on July 28th 2011. Two people are in custody and two victims have been sent to local hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries and since released. Police are looking for anyone with information about this incident to come forward, please contact Detective Gareth Blount at 604.529.2456.

Yesterday at approximately 3 pm a male suspect entered and committed a Robbery at the Bank of Nova Scotia in New Westminster. An off duty Transit Police member was alerted to the Robbery by Bank staff. The off duty Transit Police member called 911 and proceeded to follow the suspect. The member provided valuable suspect descriptions and direction of travel allowing members of the New Westminster Police Service to locate and arrested the suspect without incident. The cash from the Robbery was recovered during a search of the suspect. The suspect was scheduled to appear in New Westminster courts this morning.