Police investigate stabbing at New Westminster SkyTrain station

UPDATE June 13, 2023:Police say two teenage suspects have been charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and robbery in relation to thestabbing at a transitstation on April 10.

The New Westminster Police Department says in a statement that a man was stabbed and a woman was assaulted at the Columbia SkyTrain stationby a "group" of youths not known by either victim.

The suspects, aged 16 and 17, cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. One of them remains in custody, and the other has been released pending a future court date.

"It's concerning to see the ages of these suspects, and we're hopeful they realize the severity of their actions and make better decisions in the future," said Sgt. Andrew Leaver.

ORIGINAL STORY:

New Westminster police are investigating a stabbing at the Columbia SkyTrain station on the evening of April 10.

Police say they were called to the station around 11 p.m. PT, where they located and provided first aid to a person suffering from stab wounds.

The victim was transported to hospitalin serious conditionbutis expected to recover.

Police have not provided any other details about the victim to protect their privacy but say victim services is providing support.

New Westminster's Major Crime Unit, which has taken charge of the investigation, says the stabbing is the result ofan altercation between two groups of people at the SkyTrain station Monday evening.

The victim and suspects are not believed to have known each other.

"This type of violence occurring in a public place is concerning, and our Detectives are working diligently to bring the persons responsible to justice," said Sgt.Andrew Leaver.

While arrests have not yet been made, police say three suspects were seen fleeing the station onto Columbia Street.

The first is described as a young man between 18 and 20 years with a thin moustache, wearing a burgundy jacket and black shoulder bag.

The second is a man with short dark hair with a satchel, wearing dark jeans, a black hoodie and dark boots.

The third suspect is described as a young woman between 16 to 18 years, wearing a black hoodie, black jacket, and white running shoes.

Leaver says the investigation is in its early stages and is asking witnesses to contact police.

"At this point of the investigation, it's unclear exactly what happened between the two groups ... So if anyone has information with regards to what might have happened ... we would encourage them to contact police immediately," he said, addingthere is believed to be nofurther risk to the public.

Stranger violence

The incident in New Westminster follows a string of violent altercations across the Lower Mainland.

On April 1, a man was stabbed on a bus at Fraser Highway and 148 Street inSurrey following an altercation with another man.

The victim is expected to make a full recovery from their injuries.

On March 23, 37-year-old father, Paul Schmidt, was fatally stabbed outside a downtown Vancouver Starbucks.

Kathy Schmidt, Paul Schmidt's mother, says the dispute began after her son asked another man not to vape near his toddler.

Inderdeep Singh Gosal has been charged with second-degree murder, and a hearing has been scheduled for April 11.