A witness called police on Wednesday morning after seeing a man arguing with a woman – while holding what appeared to be a handgun.
The New Westminster Police Department reports that the witness called police at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, after witnessing the incident in the 800 block of Carnarvon Street.
“The witness shared that they feared for this woman’s safety,” said a NWPD news release. “Officers rushed to the area and worked to locate the suspect.”
According to police, a suspect was soon located at the Columbia SkyTrain station, after numerous transit users called 911 reporting what they believed to be a handgun.
New Westminster police officers arrested two people on the platform of the Columbia SkyTrain station.
The New Westminster Police Department reports that an item recovered from a suspect was determined to be a butane lighter shaped like a handgun.
“We’re in the early stages of this investigation,” said NWPD Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “When someone brandishes something that looks like a handgun in a public setting, they’re putting themselves and everyone around them at risk. In the interest of public safety, we treat any suspected firearm as real.”
The New Westminster Police Department is working in partnership with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police on this file.
- Anyone who believes they saw the suspect on Carnarvon Street is asked to call the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411.
- People who saw the suspect on the SkyTrain platform and have not yet spoken with police are asked to contact the Metro Vancouver Transit Police at 604-515-8300.
- Witnesses who feel they would benefit from the services of the New Westminster Police Department Victim Assistance Unit can call 604-529-2525 or email [email protected].
