THE New Westminster Police Department is investigating an assault involving bear spray that occurred on Halloween night in downtown New Westminster.
On October 31 at approximately 8:30 p.m., New Westminster Police officers responded to a report of an assault in the 900-block of Carnarvon Street.
Two individuals reported observing a group of four to five males inside the mall near New Westminster SkyTrain Station. The group then allegedly followed the victims along Carnarvon Street, where two of the males confronted and assaulted one of the victims before deploying bear spray. The victim sustained facial injuries during the incident. The suspects fled the area before police arrived and were not located.
New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services attended to assist with bear spray decontamination and to assess and treat the victim’s injuries.
“Our investigators are working to identify the individuals responsible and determine exactly what led to this incident,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver, Media Relations Officer for the New Westminster Police Department. “We’re asking anyone who may have witnessed the altercation or captured video in the area to contact police.”
The suspects were described as Middle Eastern or Hispanic males, all approximately six feet tall. One was wearing all black, another was wearing all grey with a hooded sweatshirt, and a third was wearing red clothing with a black vest.
At this stage, investigators do not believe the parties were known to one another. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash-camera, cellphone, or CCTV footage from the area of Carnarvon Street and New Westminster SkyTrain Station between 8:20 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. on October 31 and has not yet spoken with police is asked to contact the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411.
