3 arrested after people threatened with knives on White Rock pier
Posted July 11, 2023 10:42 am.
Last Updated July 11, 2023 10:43 am.
Two teens and a man have been arrested after Mounties in White Rock say people were threatened with knives on the pier last week.
The RCMP says officers received several 911 calls on Friday around 7:30 p.m., with callers saying a “group of males” was “brandishing knives and making threats.”
“We happened to have foot patrol officers that night, as well as regular patrols, who were down on Marine Drive. They attended the scene quickly and the suspects were identified by witnesses right away,” explained Const. Chantal Sears.
“The suspects split up and officers gave chase, with three of them being arrested after a short foot pursuit along the waterfront.”
White Rock pier incident ‘completely random’: RCMP
Sears says this incident was “completely random,” adding “the victims had no prior altercations with these males.”
“There was nothing to instigate them, they had no connections to any of the victims that they were threatening. It was very busy — it was a warm, sunny evening and it was completely random. We were very concerned for public safety at that point,” Sears told CityNews.
No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.
What prompted the incident remains unclear, and police are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen what happened and has not yet spoken with investigators.
Two of the people arrested — identified by the RCMP as teens — have been released with conditions into the care of their parents and guardians.
The third person — a man — “was held for court and released” with conditions. He is due back in court on Sept. 13.
The RCMP says charges are being recommended.
Increased police patrols
Meanwhile, Sears says there are plans to increase foot and bike patrols through the summer on Marine Drive and in the beach area.
“It’s proactive, however, we realize that White Rock is a destination city in the summer and we receive numerous visitors from all over the Lower Mainland as well as all over North America, essentially. So we want to make sure everybody feels safe and comfortable in our city,” she said.
Police are asking anyone with information or video footage of the Friday incident to contact the White Rock RCMP at 778-545-4800 and quote file number 2023-4053.
