An assault in New Westminster is being investigated as a “possible hate crime” after a woman wearing a hijab was spat on inside a restaurant.
Police received a report of an assault inside a fast food restaurant in the 500 block of 6th Street around 10pm on August 4th. The victim told police that she had been “spat on by an unknown female suspect”.
“Based on the initial investigation, this matter is being investigated as a possible hate crime given the victim was wearing a hijab and based on comments the suspect made towards the victim,” said police in a release.
The suspect is described as 55 years old, with dark brown shoulder length hair. She was wearing a black and white top, and had a shopping cart at the time of the assault.
We’re investigating an assault as a possible hate-related offence. We received a report that a woman wearing a hijab was spat on by an unknown suspect. If you recognize the suspect in the photos below we ask that you call us at 604-525-5411. https://t.co/2tA1nUVzHT #NewWest pic.twitter.com/4CkcQEWfiW
— New Westminster Police Department (@NewWestPD) August 8, 2024
“We’re hoping somebody can help us identify the suspect, so we can find out what the motivation was behind the assault,” stated Staff Sergeant Sanjay Kumar. “We’d like to extend our thanks to the staff at the restaurant who came to the aid of the victim and assisted her in calling police.”
The Provincial Hate Crimes Unit has been made aware of the investigation and police are looking to obtain video surveillance of the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to please call 604-525-5411.
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