New Westminster police say they have received a number of tips regarding the July 30 slashing of a police officer in Queen's Park, but they are still looking for the only two known witnesses from the scene.
In a press release from New Westminster Police, Sgt. Gary Weishaar said investigators are following up on some quality leads, but the couple who first flagged down the officer to report a man in distress may have some information that could lead to an arrest.
"...As strong as many of these leads are, our investigators seek the two direct witnesses in this serious incident to contact them immediately," Weishaar said.
The couple in question was walking in Queen's Park near Centennial Lodge around 11:50 p.m. and observed a man "crying hysterically" while he was sitting at a picnic table. The man and woman flagged down a nearby officer on patrol to alert him. When the officer approached the table, the suspect charged him, delivering knife wounds to the officer's face and abdomen. The officer's Kevlar ballistic vest prevented the attack from delivering a "grievous or fatal injury," Weishaar said.
"The suspect involved in this assault is violent, distressed and is clearly prepared to use deadly force. It is imperative that witnesses, especially the male and female couple in Queen's Park, step forward and assist our investigators in identifying this suspect," Weishaar said.
The suspect is described as a black male, 25 to 30 years old, 6-4 and 250 lbs. Police say he has a muscular build and black hair, shaved on the sides with a "fade" and a shaved spot on the right side of his head. The man was shirtless at the time of the attack but was wearing green and black camouflage cargo shorts and white Nike shoes.
Anyone with information related to the crime, especially the couple walking in the park that night, is asked to contact the police tip line at 604-529-2430.
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