At approximately 6:00am on July 30, the New Westminster Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call after someone brandished a firearm at a coffee shop patron on the patio of a business in the Columbia Square shopping centre. Police determined the suspect fled across Columbia Street, through a hole in the fence, and across the railway tracks.

Officers rushed to the area to locate the suspect. An NWPD drone was deployed to aid in the search. The suspect was located alongside the train tracks in the bushes and arrested thanks to the help of the Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Service. At the time of his arrest the suspect was found to be in possession of prohibited weapons, knives, and cans of bear spray. An area search later located the firearm.

“This is the second time within a week our officers have seized a firearm,” stated Sergeant Andrew Leaver. “This was a quick and coordinated response by New Westminster Police Department officers.”

The New Westminster Police Department would like to thank the Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Service. The handler and the K9 were instrumental in the arrest and recovery of the firearm. Additionally, the New Westminster Police Department would like to thank the witness who called 9-1-1 quickly as it allowed officers to arrive on scene while the suspect was still in the nearby area.