A suspect has been arrested in connection to an assault on New Westminster’s boardwalk.
On Wednesday night, New Westminster police officers were dispatched to the Quayside boardwalk after a man reported being attacked from behind by a stranger armed with an edged weapon. Police later told the Record the victim had said the weapon was a knife, possibly a meat cleaver.
In response to the assault, the New Westminster Police Department appealed for dash-cam or video footage from the 900 block of Quayside Drive, the Inn at the Quay, and behind the Boathouse restaurant between 7:10 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19.
On Friday, New West police announced a suspect had been arrested on Thursday afternoon in connection to this incident.
Police have recommended charges related to assault with a weapon to Crown counsel.
According to a NWPD news release, police were able to identify and locate the suspect thanks to witnesses who came forward after seeing the media release appealing for assistance from the public.
“Thanks to these witnesses, the residents of New Westminster can breathe a sigh of relief,” said NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “I’d like to thank every resident who keeps up to date with news from their local police. In this instance, it led directly to an arrest and our city is a safer place because of their help.”
Leaver said the victim sustained minor injuries in Wednesday’s “disturbing” incident on the boardwalk.
The New Westminster Police Department reminds to call 911 if they ever see a crime in progress, or anything that causes them concern for their safety or the safety of another person.
