THE New Westminster Police are appealing for additional witnesses to come forward after a man was assaulted and threatened with a conducted energy weapon near Begbie Street and Clarkson Street.

At approximately 10 p.m. on January 15, New Westminster Police were called by staff  who witnessed a man seek refuge at their place of business. This victim was followed by a suspect who made threats and brandished a conducted energy weapon that was letting off sparks.

The suspect then fled in the direction of Eighth Street. Police learned that the victim had been assaulted by the suspect moments earlier. The suspect is not known to the victim.

The suspect is described as a White man in his mid-twenties, with a slim build, standing approximately 5’6” tall, with blonde, ear-length hair, a green jacket, brown cargo pants, and tattoos on his neck.

“This attack appears to have been completely unprovoked,” said Sgt. Justine Thom. “We are particularly interested in speaking to people who saw the suspect immediately before or after the alleged assault, or overheard any interaction the suspect had with the victim.”

The New Westminster Police Department can be reached at 604-525-5411. Callers with information on this incident should reference file 23-779.