Surrey man arrested after breaking into occupied residence in New Westminster

ON Monday at approximately 6 a.m., New Westminster Police received an abandoned 911 from a single family residence in Sapperton. The caller was whispering to the 911 operator before the phone got disconnected.

Patrol officers attended and observed an elderly female standing in a bedroom window indicating to police she was in distress. Officers noticed a male in the bedroom who was not known to the resident.

The patrol officer challenged the male and immediately took him into custody without incident. Thankfully, the elderly female did not receive any physical injuries and has been in contact with the Victims Assistance Unit.

Walter Beal, 35, of Surrey has been arrested and charged with break-and-enter, assault, and breach of release order.
“This is an upsetting incident and we understand how deeply concerning this was for the victim as well as the community as a whole,” said Sgt. Justine Thom on Tuesday.

“We encourage residents to be cognizant of their home security as well as encourage people to call police if they witness any suspicious behaviour.”

The New Westminster Police Department would like to remind residents that if they see a break-and-enter in progress, call 9-1-1.

If you have any information to assist with this investigation, you are requested to call investigators at 604-525-5411 and quote police file number 2022-13104.

Beal remains in custody.