New Westminster – At approximately 06:00 am on August 29th 2022, the New Westminster Police Department received an abandoned 911 from a single family residence in Sapperton. The caller was whispering to the 911 operator before the phone disconnected. Patrol officers attended and observed an elderly female standing in a bedroom window indicating to police she was in distress. Officers noticed a male in the bedroom, who was not known to the resident. The patrol officer challenged the male, who was immediately taken into custody without incident. Thankfully, the elderly female did not receive any physical injuries and has been in contact with our Victims Assistance Unit.
35-year-old Walter BEAL of Surrey, BC has been arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Break and Enter contrary to Section 348(1)(d) of the Criminal Code;
- Assault contrary to Section 266 of the Criminal Code; and
- Breach of Release Order contrary to Section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code.
“This is an upsetting incident and we understand how deeply concerning this was for the victim as well as the community as a whole” stated Sergeant Justine THOM. “We encourage residents to be cognizant of their home security as well as encourage people to call police if they witness any suspicious behaviour.”
The New Westminster Police Department would like to remind residents that if they see a break and enter in progress to please call 9-1-1.
If you have any information to assist with this investigation, please call investigators at 604-525-5411 and quote police file number 2022-13104.
Mr. BEAL remains in-custody.
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CONTACT PERSON: Sergeant Justine THOM
PHONE: 604-529-2537
FILE: 22-13104