Machete attack suspect sought by New Westminster police

Police are looking for a suspect ina machete attack that took place in New Westminster B.C. on Dec. 7.

Police say the suspect approached a vehicle as it was exiting a parking lot at 7th and Belmont streets around 1.30 a.m.and started slashing at the vehicle with the machete.

The occupants quickly drove out of the parking lot and pulled over a short distance away to inspect their car for damage.

The suspect reappeared at that point, and before the victims could retreat back into the car, he slashed at one of them and tried to stab him.

The victim was able to fend off his attacker, knocking the machete loose as the two of them fell to the ground. The attacker then got to his feet and fled the scene with the machete.

A lengthy search of the area was conducted, but police did not find the suspect.

The victim suffered lacerations to his fingers and knee during the attack.

The suspect is described as caucasian, 20 to 30 years old, with a slim build and wearing a grey sweatshirt with a white circle and white lettering on the front, blue jeans with white stitching and what appeared to be the letter U on the back pockets, and running shoes with red soles and red laces.