New Westminster police investigate stranger attack on Quayside

According to local police, a man was attacked from behind with a “sharp weapon” in New Westminster on Wednesday evening.

The victim suffered only “minor injuries,” but his attacker was a stranger, New Westminster police said in a press release on Thursday.

The incident occurred on the Quayside promenade, police said. They “rushed to the scene” but were unable to locate the suspect.

Police described the suspect as an Asian man in his 20s with short black hair, a “fair complexion” and a slim build. He was wearing black sweatpants and no shirt, police said.

“Investigators believe witnesses to this attack may have fled the area before police arrived on the scene,” the NWPD press release said.

“Police are now asking these witnesses to tell police what they saw and for anyone in the area who may have dashboard camera footage to contact police.”

Specifically, investigators are looking for video footage from the 900 block of Quayside Drive, which is near McInnes and 10th Streets, as well as from the Inn at the Quay and behind the Boathouse Restaurant. Police are interested in video footage recorded between 7:10 p.m. and 8 p.m.

“This is a disturbing incident and we are grateful that the victim suffered only minor injuries,” Sergeant Andrew Leaver said in the press release.

“We encourage anyone who witnessed the attack or has relevant footage to come forward. Your information could be vital to our investigation.”

Information can be shared by calling the NWPD at 604-525-5411.