ON April 26 at approximately 7 p.m., New Westminster Police responded to a 9-1-1 call describing an armed man threatening staff inside a restaurant in the 700-block of 12th Street.
Police learned that a man armed with a machete screamed demands at staff before fleeing the scene. Officers collected evidence and soon arrested the suspect in the area of 8th Street and 8th Avenue. Charges related to robbery and assault with a weapon are being recommended to Crown Counsel.
“Our thoughts are with the staff who experienced this frightening incident,” said Sgt. Justine Thom. “We’re proud of the swift response by our officers, Constable Black and Constable Roach, which led to an arrest within the hour.”
Officers thanked the person who called 9-1-1 after seeing the staff in need of help. The services of the New Westminster Police Department Victim Assistance Unit have been made available to the restaurant staff.
