Teenagers charged with stabbing on stairs in Westminster Pier Park

New Westminster Police (NWPD) have filed charges against two teenagers who committed a stabbing this summer that left a man hospitalized with “severe abdominal trauma.”

John Baptiste, 18, and Daniel Keewatin, 19, were arrested last Thursday, August 29, in connection with the July 30 incident on the steps in Westminster Pier Park.

Police praise the passerby who first alerted officers to the victim with the significant stab wound and urge other residents who see someone in distress to “do the same.”

“A man was seriously injured in a senseless and unprovoked attack by a stranger,” NWPD spokesman Sergeant Andrew Leaver said in a press release today, September 5.

“Our officers have worked tirelessly to gather evidence and identify those responsible. We are committed to ensuring justice is done and those involved are brought to justice.”

Two suspects were arrested and charged following a stabbing on the steps of Westminster Pier Park. #NewWest pic.twitter.com/3I5VHdkall

— New Westminster Police Department (@NewWestPD) 5 September 2024

The incident occurred on July 30 at around 10 p.m. near the stairs leading from the Front Street parking garage to Westminster Pier Park.

The first responders provided emergency care to the victim and took him to the hospital.

Officers from the NWPD's Major Crimes Unit, who took charge of the case, then called on witnesses to come forward with statements and video footage.

Baptiste, of Surrey, who remains in custody, has been charged with the following:

• Serious bodily harm according to Section 268 Para. 2 of the Criminal Code
• Assault with a weapon contrary to Section 267(a) of the Criminal Code

Keewatin, a resident of Langley, was released on numerous conditions and a charge of assault was admitted.

In a previous press release, the NWPD stated that two women were also seen with the suspects, but today's update did not mention any information about the involvement of others.

Local officers were also assisted throughout the case by street crime, crime suppression and forensic identification units, as well as canine services from the Lower Mainland Integrated Police and Metro Vancouver Transit Police.

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