THE New Westminster Police Department is searching for a suspect following an alleged assault with a weapon in a New Westminster coffee shop.

At approximately 3 p.m. on Monday, November 22, New Westminster Police officers were called to a coffee shop at Columbia Square Plaza. The suspect allegedly brandished a knife and threatened staff when he was asked to leave after using drugs in the washroom. The suspect fled the area before police arrived on scene. Officers searched the area for individuals who matched the suspect’s description.

The suspect is described as a white male, standing 5’7” tall, in his late twenties, with a heavy build, dark face mask, and a green puffy jacket. Officers are working to acquire CCTV footage of the incident and the suspect.

“This employee was just trying to do their job,” said Sgt. Sanjay Kumar. “It’s appalling that staff were subjected to this type of abuse and it’s extremely fortunate that no one was seriously injured.”

The Victim Assistance Unit services were made available to the staff at the coffee shop. Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to contact the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411.