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Transit cop allegedly assaulted during arrest in New West

A Transit Police officer was injured during an arrest in New Westminster recently.
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A Transit Police officer was injured during an arrest in New Westminster recently.

The incident happened on July 25, when two officers on patrol at the New Westminster SkyTrain station spotted two men openly drinking alcohol, according to a press release from Transit Police.

When the officers approached, the men walked away, but they were stopped a short distance away. The officers asked for their names, but one of the men didn’t comply and instead gave a fake name. It was at this time that one of the officers noticed a syringe sticking out of the man’s pocket, according to the release.

“When asked to slowly remove it, he ran away to Carnarvon Street with the officers giving chase. They were eventually able to grab the man who fought and struggled,” noted the release.

During the altercation, Transit Police allege the suspect hit one of the officers in the head and face, causing cuts and bruises to his nose, right ear and one ear. He also suffered a hand injury.

The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. He has been identified as Christopher Anton Skender, 34, of no fixed address. He is well known to police and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for numerous alleged offences in Vancouver, including assault with a weapon, theft, possession of a dangerous weapon and possession of stolen property, according to the release.

Skender has been charged with obstructing a police officer and assault causing bodily harm for the New Westminster incident. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 23.