New West police arrest man after BB gun falls out of pocket on bus

A quick-thinking bus passenger in New Westminster is being commended for helping police bring in a man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.

Police say the transit user phoned 9-1-1 on Oct. 30 just after noon to report they had seen a gun fall from another passenger’s pocket.

Investigators say officers “rushed to the area” of Howes Street and Ewen Avenue, where they eventually caught up with the suspect and another person, both of whom had since gotten off the bus.

The pair was arrested.

“We want to commend the complainant on their call to 9-1-1,” said Sgt. Justine Thom. “Thanks to this witness remaining calm and making note of the suspect’s appearance and direction of travel, officers were able to quickly locate and arrest these two suspects.”

Police say the weapon turned out to be a BB gun. They add the suspect was in breach of several conditions. The man he was with was also wanted in relation to another incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact New Westminster police at 604.525.5411.