ON Wednesday, April 10 at approximately 7:30 a.m., New Westminster Police received a call from a witness who said they were watching someone who they believed to be in possession of a handgun arguing with a woman in the 800-block of Carnarvon Street. The witness said that they feared for this woman’s safety. Officers rushed to the area and worked to locate the suspect.

The suspect was soon located at the Columbia SkyTrain Station after numerous transit users called 9-1-1 after seeing what they believed to be a handgun. Two people were arrested on the platform of the Columbia SkyTrain Station by New Westminster Police. An item recovered from the suspect was determined to be a butane lighter shaped like a handgun. The New Westminster Police Department is working in partnership with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police on this case.

“We’re in the early stages of this investigation,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “When someone brandishes something that looks like a handgun in a public setting they’re putting themselves and everyone around them at risk. In the interest of public safety, we treat any suspected firearm as real.”

Anybody who believes they saw the suspect on Carnarvon Street is asked to contact New Westminster Police Department by calling 604-525-5411. People who saw the suspect on the SkyTrain platform and have not yet spoken with police are asked to contact the Metro Vancouver Transit Police at 604-515-8300. Witnesses who feel they would benefit from the services of the New Westminster Police Department Victim Assistance Unit can call 604-529-2525 or email VAU@nwpolice.org.