New Westminster police officers violently attacked, force says
Posted November 24, 2021 11:41 am.
Last Updated November 24, 2021 11:42 am.
Two New Westminster Police officers are recovering after they say they were attacked by a suspect during an arrest Tuesday.
When officers arrived at the scene of a reported domestic assault around 3:40 p.m., the suspect had already left the scene. But according to police, officers spotted the 29-year-old New Westminster man just minutes later near Seventh Avenue and 6th Street, but he continued to run away.
Police chased the suspect, and say a “violent struggle ensued.”
#NewWest officers assaulted while arresting domestic assault suspect. https://t.co/c24756axXi pic.twitter.com/QqFI6LC1XE
— New Westminster Police Department (@NewWestPD) November 24, 2021
The department’s deputy chief constable says the officers were bitten, scratched, their eyes were gouged, and blood was spat in their face.
Stopping off at RCH Emerg to check on @NewWestPD members assulted by a male resisting arrest on a domestic violence matter. Members bitten, eye gouged, scratched and had blood spat in face. One member was telling doc about "last time" this happened to her…unreal and #notokay. pic.twitter.com/1DDUrLGUzT
— Paul Hyland (@DCCPaulHyland) November 24, 2021
The suspect was taken into custody and faces a number of charges, including assault, assault of a police officer causing bodily harm and obstructing a police officer.
“It’s difficult to put my feelings into words knowing someone hurt my colleagues when they were just doing their job,” Sgt. Sanjay Kumar said in a statement. “This individual’s actions showed disregard for the safety of the victim and our members.”
The domestic assault victim has been offered support.
