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New West police investigating how person sustained “traumatic” injuries

New Westminster firefighters call in police after a medical call uncovers a possible assault.
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New Westminster police are investigating how a person sustained traumatic injuries.

A downtown church site was behind yellow caution tape Thursday morning as police investigated how a person sustained “traumatic” injuries.

A New West resident contacted the Record Thursday morning to report several police cars and crime tape were present near Holy Trinity Cathedral’s hall on Carnarvon Street.

“We were called by the fire department to respond – they located an individual who was suffering from numerous injuries,” NWPD Sgt. Andrew Leaver told the Record. “We are actively working to determine the cause of those injuries.”

As part of their investigation, Leaver said officers will be reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses in the area.

Fire Chief Erin Williams said New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services’ crews were dispatched to a medical-aid incident in the 500 block of Carnarvon Street at about 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 2.

The report was related to someone suffering from “traumatic” injuries, Williams said.

“On arrival, crews determined that a person had possibly been assaulted, and initiated medical treatment,” he said in a statement to the Record. “Due to the nature of the incident and injuries, the NWFRS officer requested NWPD to attend for investigation.”

Williams said care of the patient was transferred to BC Emergency Heath Services when its personnel arrived, and the scene was left in care of NWPD.

“The extent of the injuries are unknown at this time,” he said.

 By 10:15 a.m., police officers had taken down the caution tape at the site and most officers had left the scene.