AT approximately 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, New Westminster Police received a 9-1-1 call from staff at a post-secondary school on 6th Street. The caller reported that a woman, who was not a student at the school, was armed with a knife and students and staff feared for their safety.
Before police arrived, security isolated the armed woman. New Westminster Police patrol officers prioritized the safety of staff and students, instructing them to leave the building. Patrol officers engaged in de-escalation techniques with the armed woman, with the aim of having her safely taken into police custody.
After some time, the Integrated Emergency Response Team arrived and the woman eventually cooperated with police instructions. She was safely arrested and charges related to mischief and threats are being considered.
“The New Westminster Police Department would like to acknowledge the swift response by school administration who called 9-1-1 without delay,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “Their cooperation played a key role in there being no injuries to students, the suspect, or police.”
6th Street between Royal Avenue and Agnes Street was closed for several hours.
The New Westminster Police Department is collecting CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses. Witnesses can access the services of the New Westminster Police Department Victim Assistance Unit by calling 604-529-2525 or emailing VAU@nwpolice.org.
