UPDATE: Roth has turned himself in, Coquitlam RCMP announced on Thursday afternoon.

WHAT started as a call about a nude man has led to four police officers being injured, one of them seriously, and an arrest warrant for a 40-year-old Coquitlam man.

If you see Leandro Lamar Roth, Coquitlam RCMP are asking that you do not approach him and instead call police immediately.

“When a 911 call comes in, police never know what we’re going to get,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “This file started fairly innocently, but the outcome was serious and it could have been even worse.”

On June 18, just before midnight, a concerned citizen called police about a man who was walking nude on Lougheed Highway near the Pitt River in Port Coquitlam. When the first officer arrived on scene, the naked man ran into nearby bushes.

The officer followed the man, told him he was under arrest, and attempted to get the man a blanket. The man allegedly reacted by punching the officer without warning and carried on assaulting him when he fell to the ground. Four other police officers – and two conducted energy weapons – were needed before the arrest could be completed, according to police.

Roth was taken to hospital for minor injuries and was kept overnight for other medical issues. Three police officers were also treated at the hospital for minor injuries. One police officer is receiving ongoing treatment for serious injuries although he’s returned to work.

On July 22, a charge of assaulting a police officer causing bodily harm was approved against Roth.

Roth is very well-known to police. He is from the Coquitlam area, but is currently of no fixed address. Coquitlam RCMP investigators have released Roth’s photo to ensure that he is located as quickly as possible. Here is his description: 

* A 40-year-old white man

* 170 cm (5’7) with a slim build

* Short brown hair and brown eyes

If you see Roth, call 9-1-1. If you have information on his whereabouts, call the Coquitlam RCMP non-emergency number at 604-945-1550.