Further to the news conference held at the RCMP Headquarters at 2pm today, the New Westminster Police Department confirms that their Major Crime Unit is conducting an independent investigation into the Surrey RCMP officer involved police dog incident which occurred January 28th, 2012.

Any further media inquiries can be made to the New Westminster Police Department.

On January 4, 2012 at approximately 17:50 hours a female was walking to work through Queens Park when she was attacked from behind. The individual had her iPod on and had no prior indication the attack was going to take place.

The attackers struck the female in the head with an object and pushed her to the ground. The attackers demanded she hand over her property. While on the ground one of the attackers lunged at her, at which time she managed to defend herself by kicking back. The males subsequently fled the area running North East through Queens Park. The victim sustained a large gash to the top of her head which resulted in 12 stitches.

The police are appealing to the public to assist in locating the males described as follows:

Suspect 1 who was reportedly the aggressor was described as:

Black male, 6’ tall, in his 20’s, medium build, short dark hair, wearing dark pants and a grey/white hoody with an unknown design on the front.

Suspect 2 was described as:

Caucasian male, shorter in stature, in his 20’s, black shaggy hair, wearing baseball hat, dark pants and light colored hoody.

If you have any information about this assault, please call the New Westminster Police tip line at 604.529.2430.

On Monday January 2nd at approximately 2047 Hours, New Westminster police officers were dispatched to the Eight-Hundred Block of Boyd Avenue on report of a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle. At the scene, officers located the victim, a seventy-one year old male New Westminster resident, lying on the roadway. British Columbia Ambulance Services and New Westminster Fire were also on scene.

The pedestrian had suffered numerous injuries to his upper and lower body and was transported to Royal Columbian Hospital where he remains in intensive care. The motorist involved in the collision, a Fifty-Seven year old male New Westminster resident, remained at the scene as did several witnesses.

The New Westminster police Collision Analyst and Forensic Identification team attended the scene to assist with the investigation. 

Pedestrian Awareness

Pedestrians are reminded that motorists may have difficulties in seeing them particularly if it is dark, raining, or overcast. Pedestrians need to be aware of wearing dark clothing and how it will affect their visibility to motorists. When possible, wear bright reflective clothing. Pedestrians do have the right of way at intersections and crosswalks however; pedestrians should make eye contact with motorist’s to confirm that they do indeed see them. Only cross when the signal allows, cross at crosswalks or intersections and do not ‘jaywalk’.

Motorists too are reminded that pedestrians can be particularly difficult to see when it is dark and raining. The posted speed limits are set for ideal weather, traffic and road conditions. Limited visibility, heavy traffic or, nearby pedestrians will require greater motorist attention and reduced speeds.