New Westminster Police officer assaulted during routine traffic stop

IN the early morning hours of Thursday, a New Westminster Police Department officer was on patrol through the Queensborough neighbourhood when he observed a vehicle driving with no license plates. When he pulled over the vehicle, the driver exited the vehicle, refused to identify themselves, and attempted to flee.

While the officer attempted to detain the driver, the driver resisted causing the two to fall into an embankment. As the officer took the driver into custody, he was struck in the face multiple times and was spat on.

“The officer will be alright,” said Sgt. Sanjay Kumar. “He handled this situation with patience and the skills taught to him in training. It is despicable that an officer would be assaulted while simply trying to do their job and we will be recommending charges of assaulting a police officer.”

The suspect has been released with conditions and has an upcoming date in court.