The victim of an alleged assault in the Glenbrook North neighbourhood has yet to be located.
The New Westminster Police Department said a witness called 911 at around 4:45 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17 to report that they were witnessing an assault at Seventh Avenue and Fourth Street. In a Jan. 18 news release, the NWPD said officers rushed to the scene and arrested a suspect but were trying to locate the victim who had fled the area before police arrived.
“We want to support you and give you the opportunity to share your story hold the suspect accountable for their actions,” Sgt. Andrew Leaver said in the news release. “If it’s more comfortable for you, we can arrange to meet at your home or a place of your choosing. Your account is vital to our investigation and can make a real difference in preventing similar incidents in the future.”
In a Jan. 20 update, the police department said it had yet to hear from the victim.
“Unfortunately, our officers are still working to locate the victim of the assault,” said a NWPD statement to the Record. “We want this person to know that our officers want to make it as easy as possible for them to share their story. Their account of what occurred is vital to our investigation.”
Some area residents posted about the incident on social media, with one saying police were knocking on residents’ doors and searching for video footage that could help with the investigation. One resident observed police searching through the suspect’s belongings.
Anyone in the area who witnessed the assault and has not yet spoken to police is encouraged to call 604-525-5411 and reference file 25-988.
