New Westminster police are searching for a suspect who allegedly brandished a knife and threatened Starbucks staff when he was asked to leave after using drugs in the washroom.
The NWPD reports that officers were called to the coffee shop after a suspect threatened staff, after he was asked to leave after using drugs in the washroom. The incident occurred at the Starbucks in Columbia Square about 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22,
“This employee was just trying to do their job,” NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Sanjay Kumar said in a news release. “It’s appalling that staff were subjected to this type of abuse and it’s extremely fortunate that no one was seriously injured.”
According to the NWPD, the suspect fled the area before police arrived, and officers searched the area for individuals who matched the suspect’s description.
Police are now seeking assistance in locating the suspect, who is described as a Caucasian male in his late 20s, standing 5’7” tall, and having a heavy build. He was wearing a dark face mask and a green puffy jacket.
New Westminster police officers are working to access CCTV footage of the incident and the suspect.
The Victim Assistance Unit services were made available to the staff at the coffee shop. Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to contact the NWPD at 604-525-5411.