Police in New Westminster are investigating a possible hate crime after a woman was assaulted inside a fast-food restaurant on Sunday night.
The New Westminster Police Department says around 10 p.m. on Aug. 4, officers were called to the restaurant on 6th Street near 6th Avenue. The woman then told police she had been spat on by an unknown woman.
Police say the suspect is around 55 years old, with dark brown straight shoulder-length hair. At the time of the alleged assault, she was wearing a black and white top and had a shopping cart.
“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,” the NWPD said in a statement Thursday.
Due to the nature of the allegations, police say the Provincial Hate Crimes Unit has been informed.
“We’re hoping somebody can help us identify the suspect, so we can find out what the motivation was behind the assault,” Staff Sgt. Sanjay Kumar said. “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.”
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to call police at 604-525-5411.