An elderly woman managed to call 911 about an intruder in her home before her phone was disconnected.
The New Westminster Police Department reports receiving an “abandoned” 911 call from a Sapperton home around 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29.
“The caller was whispering to the 911 operator before the phone disconnected,” said a NWPD press release. “Patrol officers attended and observed an elderly female standing in a bedroom window indicating to police she was in distress. Officers noticed a male in the bedroom, who was not known to the resident.”
The NWPD reports that the patrol officer “challenged” the alleged suspect, who was taken into custody without incident.
“By challenged, we mean the attending officer provided commands to male to facilitate his exit from the residence and safe arrest,” NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Justine Thom told the Record.
According to the NWPD, the woman, who was in her late 70s, thankfully, did not receive any physical injuries in the incident. She has been in contact with the NWPD’s Victims Assistance Unit.
“This is an upsetting incident, and we understand how deeply concerning this was for the victim, as well as the community as a whole,” Thom said in a news release. “We encourage residents to be cognizant of their home security, as well as encourage people to call police if they witness any suspicious behaviour.”
The New Westminster Police Department reminds residents to call 911 if they see a break and enter in progress.
Anyone with information that may assist with this investigation is asked to call NWPD investigators at 604-525-5411 and quote police file number 2022-13104.
Walter Beal, a 35-year-old Surrey resident, has been charged with break and enter, assault and breach of release. He remains in-custody.
