A man was attacked by a stranger armed with a “edged weapon” on New West’s boardwalk on Wednesday night.
New Westminster police officers were dispatched to the Quayside boardwalk after a man reported being attacked from behind by a stranger armed with an edged weapon. Police said the victim said the weapon was a knife, possibly a meat cleaver.
“The victim and the suspect, as far as we understand, do not know each other,” Sgt. Andrew Leaver told the Record. “So, this was a random attack.”
Leaver said the victim’s injuries were categorized as “minor,” but he did not have specifics.
“This is a disturbing incident, and we are thankful the victim only sustained minor injuries,” said Leaver, spokesperson for the New Westminster Police Department. “We encourage anyone who may have witnessed the attack or has relevant footage to come forward. Your information could be crucial in our investigation.”
A New Westminster Police Department news release said officers rushed to the scene but were unable to locate anyone matching the suspect’s description.
Officers secured the scene and began collecting evidence, interviewing people in the area, and canvassing for CCTV footage.
“Investigators believe witnesses to this attack may have fled the area prior to police arriving on scene,” said the news release. “Police are now appealing for those witnesses to share with police what they saw and for anyone with dash-cam footage in the area to contact police.”
Police are interested in dash-cam or video footage from the 900 block of Quayside Drive, Inn at the Quay, and behind the Boathouse restaurant between 7:10 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19.
Yesterday a man walking along the Quayside Boardwalk reported being attacked from behind by a stranger armed with an edged weapon. Were you in the area? We're looking for additional witnesses and dash-cam footage. #NewWest https://t.co/zgUp4zlokd pic.twitter.com/NUvKuJUnFl
— New Westminster Police Department (@NewWestPD) June 20, 2024
According to the NWPD, the closest landmark to the site where the incident occurred is the Boathouse restaurant.
The suspect is described as an Asian man in his 20s, with short black hair, a light complexion and a slim build. He was wearing black sweatpants and was not wearing a shirt.
Anyone having further information regarding this incident should contact New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411.
