ON Sunday, August 20 at approximately 8:30 p.m., New Westminster Police received a 9-1-1 call from someone who had just encountered an intruder in her home. The suspect had broken into the occupied residence and when confronted, fled with a stolen backpack.

Officers searched the area for a suspect and informed Metro Vancouver Transit Police about the ongoing search. Minutes later, Metro Vancouver Transit Police located the suspect with the stolen backpack on a SkyTrain at the Sapperton Skytrain Station. The suspect was arrested without incident and the backpack was reunited with its rightful owner.

“We’d like to thank the officers at Metro Vancouver Transit Police who assisted us in this investigation,” said Sgt. Justine Thom. “It is bold for a suspect to enter a home that is occupied to steal belongings. This is very concerning behavior and likely scary for those who were home at the time.”

Members of the household have been offered the services of the Victim Assistance Unit. The suspect was transported to New Westminster Police Department cells and is awaiting a court appearance. The NWPD said it thanks the resident whose call to 9-1-1 ensured the quick apprehension of the suspect.