The New Westminster Police Department is looking for witnesses following a fight that occurred at the Sapperton Liquor Store.
Police were called to the liquor store at 444 East Columbia St. on April 29 at approximately 10 p.m. by a caller who described a fight inside the store between two men.
The caller said one of the people fighting was using a knife.
Police rushed to the scene and arrested one person who was standing outside the liquor store without incident.
“Officers observed the second person who was allegedly involved in the fight inside the store with staff and customers,” said a NWPD news release. “Additional officers contained the scene and worked with staff at the store to safely evacuate customers and staff from the premises. The second suspect did not comply with police instructions that allowed for him to be safely arrested, and it was only after several minutes of de-escalation techniques that the suspect cooperated with police and was able to be safely taken into custody.”
Police said officers did recover a knife from the scene.
Both suspects were brought back to the police cells. One had an outstanding warrant, and one was released from custody on an undertaking for assault with a weapon.
“We’re wanting to get a better understanding of what happened that night between these two individuals,” said Sgt. Sanjay Kumar, in a statement. “Several witnesses fled the scene after they were evacuated from the liquor store and we’re asking they get in touch with us to share what happened in the moments leading up to this confrontation.”
If you have information to share with police please get in touch with an investigator by calling 604-525-5411.
