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If the crime you are reporting is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If the crime you are reporting is not an emergency, you can call the non-emergency line at 604-525-5411 or attend our Front Counter at 555 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC.
New Westminster – On February 25th, 2020, the New Westminster Police Department asked for the public’s assistance in locating 44-year-old New Westminster resident Nirla Sharma.
On April 26th, 2020 at approximately 4:00 pm, the Burnaby RCMP contacted the New Westminster Police Department after reports of a deceased person who was believed to be Nirla Sharma. She was located along the shoreline of the Fraser River on the border of New Westminster and Burnaby.
New Westminster Police Major Crime Unit detectives and BC Coroner Service attended the scene to investigate. Investigators believe that the deceased person is Mrs. Nirla Sharma.
“This is a tragic conclusion in the search for Mrs. Sharma. At this time, there is no evidence of foul play, but the cause of death is yet to be determined,” stated Sergeant Jeff Scott. “The New Westminster Police Victim Assistance Unit is providing support to the family during this very difficult and sad time. We would like to thank the public for their efforts and assistance, and we understand that this news is difficult for everyone.”
New Westminster Police Major Crime Unit detectives will work with the BC Coroner Service in the coming days to determine the cause of death.
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Original News Release:
New Westminster – The New Westminster Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 44-year-old New Westminster resident Nirla Sharma.
Mrs. Sharma was last seen at her residence located in the 300 block of Lawrence Street in New Westminster on February 23rd at 9:00 pm. Mrs. Sharma was wearing pink pajamas with a pink T-shirt and had gone to bed. At approximately 4:00 am on February 24th, a family member reports hearing the front door chime activate. Mrs. Sharma typically arrives at work in Burnaby at approximately 6:30 am, but she did not attend work that morning.
Mrs. Sharma is described as a South Asian female, standing 5’3”, with a slim build weighing approximately 138lbs, with a medium complexion, short black hair, and brown eyes.
Mrs. Sharma has a tattoo on her left arm of an OM symbol, and tattoos of a crown on her right wrist, a rose on her tailbone and a design on her left ankle. She was last seen wearing pajamas; however, she may be wearing a black jacket with a hood and orange Nike shoes.
“We are very concerned for Mrs. Sharma because she has not shown up for work, and there are no obvious reasons why she left at 4 am. She left without telling anyone, and did not take any of her personal belongings, which is out of character for her,” stated Sergeant Jeff Scott. “We are asking for the public’s help to locate her so that we can ensure her well-being.”
The NWPD Major Crime Unit is actively investigating to locate Mrs. Sharma’s whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call NWPD at 604-525-5411 or if she is seen to call 911.
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CONTACT PERSON: Sergeant Jeff Scott
PHONE: 604-529-2423
