ON May 11 at approximately 11:20 a.m., New Westminster Police officers learned of numerous 9-1-1 calls about a woman screaming for help in the courtyard of a multi-family building downtown.

Officers located a woman with injuries consistent with an edged weapon. BC Emergency Health Services paramedics provided her aid before she was transported to a nearby hospital. The injuries received were significant, but not life-threatening.

New Westminster Police patrol officers searched the nearby area, but no one matching the suspect’s description could be located at the time. A suspect was arrested on May 15 and charges related to assault with a weapon are being recommended to Crown Counsel. The suspect and the victim are known to each other and there is no increased risk to the public.

“We’re thankful to the neighbours who heard this woman’s calls for help and dialed 9-1-1,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “Understandably, residents nearby may have been upset by what occurred. We’d like witnesses to know the Victim Assistance Unit is here to support them if they feel they’d benefit from their expertise.”

The police investigation is ongoing. If you witnessed this incident and have yet to speak to police about what you saw, you’re asked to call the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411. The Victim Assistance Unit can be reached at 604-529-2525.