Police arrest masked man hiding in B.C. restaurant crawlspace

New Westminster police say a man faces a break-and-enter charge after officers found him hiding in a crawlspace inside a restaurant.

Officers were called to the restaurant at about 2:20 a.m. on Sept. 5 after two witnesses reported a possible break-in in progress near 10th and Carnarvon streets. Police said officers found broken glass on arrival and saw a masked man inside the business.

Additional officers surrounded the property. Police deployed a drone and a police dog, but were unable to locate the suspect or persuade him to surrender.

Officers eventually entered the restaurant and found the man in a small crawlspace above the kitchen area, according to police. He was arrested and taken into custody without incident.

Sgt. Andrew Leaver said the suspect took considerable steps to avoid detection, but officers continued their thorough search and brought the incident to a safe conclusion. The suspect was held in custody pending a bail hearing.