RCMP officers assaulted, citizen helps apprehension in Maple Ridge incident

TwoRidge MeadowsRCMP officers are recovering from injuries after an apprehension attempt became violent on Christmas Day in Maple Ridge, B.C.

A police officer responded to areport of a suspicious woman causing a disturbance outsidea restaurant in the 22700 block of Lougheed Highway at approximately 4 p.m. PT Wednesday.

Police said in a statement that upon arrival officersfound the woman was acting "erratically" andattempting to self-harmwith a sharp metal object.

The woman then ran into oncoming traffic.

"For her personal safety, the police officer attempted to apprehend the woman. There wasa bit of a struggle," said Chris Manseau, B.C. RCMP division media relations officer.

After the womantried to disarm the officer, the police deployed a Taser, which was ineffective.

Help from the public

Several bystanders filmed the incident with their phones.

"Another [citizen]got out of their car, wanted to help the police officer and triedto control the suspect until other members arrived," said Manseau.

An additionalRidge Meadows RCMP member andpolice dog services subsequently arrivedon the scene.

The woman continued to resisttheapprehension. During the struggle, onepolice officer received a lower body injury. Another officer received a slash injury above the shoulders, and later received seven stitches at a hospital, Manseau said.

RCMP say they will not identify the weapons used in the incident at this time. The cause of the suspect's actions and behaviours are currently unknown, as well as why she had the object.

The female suspect was then transported to hospital.

In a statement, RCMP said they were glad the citizen left his car to help the police officer.

"While for everyone's safety we always encourage people to allow the police to do their job, we can't help but be ever so thankful to this citizen, this Good Samaritan, who stepped in and assisted our officer. We are incredibly grateful to this person for their courageous actions," Ridge MeadowsSupt. Jennifer Hylandsaid in a statement.