“Tips from the public have helped solve a number of violent assaults in past months here in New Westminster”

NEW Westminster Police were called to the 800-block of Carnarvon Street at approximately 5:50 p.m. on January 17 to assist a man in distress who was pouring milk on his face inside a grocery store.

Officers learned that the man was the victim of an assault. Moments earlier he had been assaulted with bear spray in an attempted robbery. The suspect approached this man outside a restaurant and asked him for his jacket before spraying him in the face with bear spray.

The suspect is described as a tall Indigenous man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and a black jacket. The suspect was accompanied by someone described only as an Indigenous female. Both suspects are not known to the victim.

“The victim was provided aid by New Westminster Fire and Rescue,” said Sgt. Justine Thom. “Tips from the public have helped solve a number of violent assaults in past months here in New Westminster and we’re again asking the public to assist.”

New Westminster Police Department officers searched the area for anyone matching the suspect description; however, no one matching that description could be located.

If anyone has information about this incident or the suspects involved, they are requested to file a report with the New Westminster Police Department by calling 604-525-5411 and reference file 23-882.