A victim was taken to hospital after an armed robbery and assault in downtown New West.
The New Westminster Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying two suspects in an armed robbery and assault that occurred on the corner of Clarkson and McKenzie streets about 8:30 p.m. on Monday, July 11.
A NWPD press release states that police were called to the scene after a group of three people was approached by two people with firearms.
“One suspect pointed a firearm at one of the victims and struck him in the face before taking the victim’s bag,” said the press release. “As the suspects walked away from the group with the victim’s bag, they pointed their firearms at another person who was walking down the street and asked this person what valuables they had on them.”
According to police, the victim who was assaulted was transported to a local hospital, treated and released. He sustained a large laceration to his face.
The suspects left the area westbound towards Begbie Street.
The first suspect is described as a white male, 30 to 40 years old, with a stocky build, standing approximately 5’9” tall; he was wearing a black puffer style jacket, jeans and black hat. The second suspect is described as a while female, 25 to 35 years old, with a stocky build, standing approximately 5’6” tall, with blonde or red hair; she was wearing dark eye makeup and black clothes, and was carrying a green purse.
“The behaviour of these suspects is extremely concerning for police,” said NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Justine Thom. “It is believed the suspects and victims are not known to each other.”
The New Westminster Police Department has offered the services of its Victim Assistance Unit to the victims.
While police are canvassing the area for CCTV footage of the suspects, they’re also asking businesses and residents in the area to contact the NWPD if they have footage of this area from the evening of July 11. Anyone with video footage to share or who recognizes the suspects’ descriptions is asked to call 604-525-5411.
