New Westminster police descended on a post-secondary school after receiving a report that a woman armed with a knife was in the building.
A press release from the New Westminster Police Department states that police received a 911 call at about 8 a.m. on May 1 from staff at a post-secondary institution on Sixth Street. The caller told police that a woman, who was not a student at the school, was armed with a knife – and students and staff feared for their safety.
According to the news release, security isolated the armed woman before police arrived on the scene.
Some local residents took to social media to inquire why there was a long lineup of police cars parked on Sixth Street, below Royal Avenue
According to the news release, New Westminster Police Department patrol officers prioritized the safety of staff and students, instructing them to leave the building.
“Patrol officers engaged in de-escalation techniques with the armed woman, with the aim of having her safely taken into police custody,” said the news release. “After some time, the Integrated Emergency Response Team arrived, and the woman eventually cooperated with police instructions.”
The NWPD said the woman was safely arrested, and charges related to mischief and threats are being considered.
“The New Westminster Police Department would like to acknowledge the swift response by school administration who called 911 without delay,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “Their cooperation played a key role in there being no injuries to students, the suspect, or police.”
Sixth Street between Royal Avenue and Agnes Street was closed for several hours because of the incident.
“The New Westminster Police Department would like to extend our appreciation to motorists and neighbours for their patience,” said the news release.
The New Westminster Police Department is collecting CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses.
Witnesses can access the services of the New Westminster Police Department Victim Assistance Unit by calling 604-529-2525 or emailing [email protected].
