Two individuals courageously came to the assistance of a New Westminster Police officer who was being viciously assaulted during an arrest. On March 16th at 1:30 PM the police were engaged in a short pursuit of a stolen vehicle. The driver of the stolen vehicle began passing vehicles in a dangerous manner and the pursuit was immediately terminated. The driver went onto Stewardson Way and hit a vehicle and continued to drive away. He then parked near the 22nd Street Skytrain Station in a manner that caused a homeowner to call the police. The driver left the vehicle carrying 3 suitcases in the direction of the Skytrain Station. Constable Wendy Bowyer decided to check the 8th Street Skytrain Station and located a male matching the description with the 3 suitcases up on the eastbound platform. The male was advised that he was under arrest and after Constable Bowyer got one handcuff on his wrist, he began to violently resist Constable Bowyer in attempt to flee. Constable Bowyer received many punches to her face and body as well as kicks and knee strikes while she was on the ground while still hanging onto the handcuff. A Translink Skytrain attendant and a transit rider then came to her assistance to subdue the male. The attendant suffered a bruised knee while the other citizen suffered a cut upper lip from being punched in the face that required stitches.

Peter Klaus Hoppe (38 years-old) of Bumaby has been remanded in custody and charged with Dangerous Driving, Flight, Possession of Stolen Property, Assault X 2 and Assault Peace Officer.