Suspect in custody after allegedly swinging hatchet at man in New Westminster

SHORTLY after midnight on Sunday, November 28, the New Westminster Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a man claiming he had found someone inside his vehicle. The caller confronted this individual who then swung a hatchet at him before fleeing.

The victim followed the suspect as he ran from the 300-block of Columbia Street to Front Street.

Officers located a man fitting the suspect description hiding in some thorny bushes near the Fraser River. The suspect was escorted to safety and arrested without incident.

“Violence like this has no place in New Westminster,” said Sgt. Sanjay Kumar. “We’re glad the caller was not hurt in this instance and made the right decision by calling 9-1-1 when they saw this crime in progress.”

Charges related to assault with a weapon, mischief under $5,000, and theft under $5,000 are being recommended.