A driver who allegedly assaulted a police officer during a routine traffic stop could be facing criminal charges and charges under the Motor Vehicle Act.
According to the New Westminster Police Department, an officer was on patrol in Queensborough in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 2 when he observed a vehicle driving without license plates.
“When he pulled over the vehicle, the driver exited the vehicle, refused to identify themselves and attempted to flee,” said a NWPD press release. “While the officer attempted to detain the driver, the driver resisted, causing the two to fall into an embankment. As the officer took the driver into custody, he was struck in the face multiple times and was spat on.”
The suspect has been released with conditions and has an upcoming date in court.
“The officer will be all right,” said NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Sanjay Kumar in a news release. “He handled this situation with patience and the skills taught to him in training. It is despicable that an officer would be assaulted while simply trying to do their job, and we will be recommending charges of assaulting a police officer.”
In addition to assaulting a police officer, a charge under the Motor Vehicle Act of driving while prohibited is being considered, said Hailey Finnigan, the police department’s strategic communications coordinator.
