A man with a knife who fled into River Market on Saturday night was located a few blocks away later that evening.
Officers with the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) responded to a 911 call at about 5:45 p.m. on Feb. 1 about a man with a knife in downtown New Westminster. The caller told police the man had struck someone with his hand before entering River Market.
A police news release said officers rushed to the area to provide aid to the victim and to locate the suspect.
According to the news release, patrol officers located and arrested a suspect a few blocks away later that evening. He was arrested without incident.
“We recognize that our presence inside River Market may have been concerning for families and shoppers,” NWPD Sgt. Andrew Leaver said in the news release. “Our officers were there to ensure public safety, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation.”
Some community members posted comments on social media stating River Market was evacuated during the incident.
“The area immediately surrounding the upstairs bathroom was evacuated,” Hailey Finnigan, the NWPD’s strategic communications coordinator, said in an email to the Record.
Finnigan said officers spoke with the victim who declined transportation to hospital and did not appear to have any visible injuries.
Anyone who was in the area who witnessed the alleged assault and has not yet spoken to police is encouraged to call the police department at 604-525-5411 and reference file number 25-1858.
