An offender police believed was a high risk to re-offend is behind bars after an incident at a store in New Westminster.
The New Westminster Police Department issued a statement last Thursday alerting residents that convicted criminal Jared Edward Harris was living in a New Westminster transition house after he’d received a peace bond for causing fear of sexual offence to someone under 14. Harris’ convictions include breaking and entering, assault with a weapon, forcible entry, indecent act, invitation to sexual touching and multiple breaches of court orders.
On April 28, the day after the police issued the public warning, officers were contacted about an incident involving man witnesses believed was Harris.
The incident in question took place on April 23 at a store in the 400 block of Columbia Street. At about 3 p.m., a man was spotted walking around the store masturbating. He left without incident. The man matched Harris’ description. He was arrested shortly after the report came in, according to a press release.
Harris has since been charged with one count of indecent act and two counts of failure to comply with his court-ordered conditions.
“Given his multiple convictions for breaching court ordered conditions, we believed that Harris was a high risk to re-offend,” said Sgt. Jeff Scott, spokesperson for the police department. “We’re committed to protecting public safety. By working with the community and partnering agencies, we strive to ensure quality of life for everyone in our city.”
Harris is scheduled to appear in court on May 3.
