Mother pushing stroller randomly assaulted in New Westminster

Police in New Westminster say a 27-year-old man from Coquitlam is now facing charges after allegedly assaulting a woman while she was pushing her baby in a stroller on Monday.

According to the New Westminster Police Department, on May 5 at around 1 p.m., police were called after a witness to the assault saw a stranger push the baby stroller before hitting the mother in the face.

“Officers rushed to the area and located someone matching the suspect description. The suspect did not immediately comply with police, however, after several minutes of de-escalation, officers were able to safely place the suspect under arrest,” New West PD said on Wednesday.

Police say the alleged incident happened near the pedestrian crosswalk on 10th Street near the roundabout at Carnarvon Street.

“The child appeared to be unharmed; however the mother sustained injuries to her face,” police added.

Police say the Coquitlam man has now been charged with assault and obstructing a police officer.

“This was an unprovoked and alarming assault on a mother walking with her child,” Sgt. Andrew Leaver said. “Thanks to a quick call to 911 and the work of responding officers, a suspect was taken into custody within minutes.”