Suspect Tasered after allegedly threatening Royal Columbian Hospital staff, police say

Police say a man was Tasered at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster earlier this month.

Police used a Taser to arrest a suspect who allegedly threatened workers at Royal Columbian Hospital earlier this month.

The New Westminster Police Department said the incident unfolded on the morning of Oct. 4, when officers responded to a 911 call at the hospital.

Someone had reported a man with an “edged weapon” was threatening staff, the NWPD said in a news release Friday.

The department said “attempts to de-escalate the situation were made,” but that officers could not get the suspect to drop his weapon, and used a conducted energy weapon to take him into custody.

“Hospital staff face extraordinary pressures and should never have to worry about their own safety on top of caring for others,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver, in a statement.

“We’re grateful for their professionalism and we’re committed to being there when they need us.”