Youth arrested after uttering threats, attempting to stab Burnaby RCMP officer

A male youth has been safely taken into custody after uttering threats and attempting to stab a police officer, the Burnaby RCMP announced on Thursday.

At approximately 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, a Burnaby RCMP officer was seated in his parked police vehicle when he was approached by a teen making offensive gestures directed towards the officer. The suspect did this repeatedly, in a blatant attempt to engage with the officer., police said.

When the officer stepped out of his vehicle and tried to speak with the teen near Hastings Street and Duthie Avenue, the suspect immediately threatened to kill the officer.

The officer then attempted to arrest the suspect and a struggle ensued. During this struggle the suspect produced a knife and attempted to stab the officer.

The suspect then fled on foot to a nearby residence. Based on the erratic behaviour of the suspect, and concern for public safety, the immediate area was locked down as police attempted to negotiate with the suspect and his family.

The suspect was uncooperative and continued to behave erratically for approximately one hour before surrendering safely to police. He was taken into custody, and determined to be a 15-year-old youth.

“This was a dynamic situation that escalated in just moments, and thankfully no injuries were sustained as a result of this incident,” said Burnaby RCMP Superintendent Sunny Parmar.

Charges of assault with a weapon and uttering threats are being forwarded to the BC Prosecution Service.

Burnaby RCMP thanked the public for their cooperation and patience during this incident.