Police appeal for witnesses after assault on East Columbia Street
The New Westminster Police Department is appealing to residents and visitors for information after a reported assault in the Sapperton area earlier this month. According to a NWPD news release, the incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 3, and investigators are particularly interested in anyone who was in the area between 8:45 and 9:10 p.m.
Police say a woman was walking in the area of the 400 block of East Columbia Street at about 9 p.m. when she was approached by an unknown male. The release states the male grabbed the victim by the throat and pushed her against a wall before the woman managed to kick the suspect, who then fled eastbound from the area.
“Any assault involving a stranger is concerning,”
the release quotes Sgt. Andrew Leaver, underscoring NWPD’s urgency in identifying the individual and preventing further incidents.
Suspect description and how residents can help
Police describe the suspect as a Caucasian male of slim build, approximately 18 years old and about 5 ft. 3 in. tall. He was reported to have dark curly hair and was wearing a white Nike hoodie paired with black Adidas sweatpants at the time of the encounter.
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the event or who may have dash-cam, bicycle-cam or residential surveillance footage from the area to contact them. The department has provided a direct number for tips: 604-525-5411.
- Where: 400 block, East Columbia Street (Sapperton)
- When: Thursday, Sept. 3 — between 8:45 and 9:10 p.m.
- Suspect: Caucasian male, slim, ~18 years old, ~5'3", dark curly hair, white Nike hoodie, black Adidas sweatpants
- Contact NWPD: 604-525-5411
Local context and public-safety implications
While the victim was assessed by British Columbia Emergency Health Services and did not require transport to hospital, the incident has raised concerns about safety in a busy stretch of Sapperton. East Columbia Street runs alongside a mix of commercial properties, residences and transit connections, and an assault involving a stranger during evening hours is likely to alarm both residents and local businesses.
The NWPD appeal for footage recognises the growing role that community cameras and dash-cams play in investigations. Even brief clips or images can provide vital leads, and police often rely on time-stamped video to corroborate accounts and trace a suspect’s direction of travel. By asking for footage from a narrow window — 8:45–9:10 p.m. — investigators are focusing resources on a precise timeframe to speed enquiries.
What to provide to police
If you were in the area or have relevant video, police suggest sharing:
- Exact time and location of any footage or observation
- A description of what you saw and any actions by the suspect
- Direction the suspect left the area (police said he fled eastbound)
- Contact information so investigators can follow up
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, Sept. 3 |
| Time (approx.) | About 9 p.m. (police request: 8:45–9:10 p.m.) |
| Location | 400 block, East Columbia Street, Sapperton |
| Police contact | 604-525-5411 |
Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411. Tips can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers if callers prefer privacy; the department often encourages multiple avenues to increase the flow of information.
This appeal follows standard investigative practice of canvassing the public for witnesses and footage after a reported assault. For residents, the request is a reminder to review home and vehicle camera systems for the specified time and to report anything that could aid officers. Police say they will continue to investigate and have urged the public to come forward with any assistance.
