Stolen Vehicle Arrest + Burger Bender

Issue #484

Author

Carla McNeil
January 22, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

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 🗓️ New West Events - Picking up the pace, with more things worth checking out.

 💝 You’re So Sweet - Thank you, Frances B.!

 🗞️ New West Local News - Stolen Vehicle Arrest + Burger Bender

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Thank you, Frances - you’re awesome!

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 11.3 2016 - Record low -2.6 2021

Missed yesterday’s Tin Man sighting? No worries—take a look on our Instagram and Facebook pages and see if you can guess the location 👀

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

January 22, 2026

🗣️ English Conversation Circles at the Welcome Centre – 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

👶 Babytime (0-12 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

💗 Chronic Conditions Self-Management Program – 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM

🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🪴 Gardening: Houseplant Glow Up – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

🎭️ 13! Junior at NWSS Theatre – 7:00 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Karaoke Night – 7:00 PM

🎙️ The Terminal Pub Colossal Thursdays Karaoke – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎤 Notorious Grey Fox Open Mic Jam – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

January 23, 2026

☕️ Business Breakfast Series at Inn at The Quay – 7:45 AM to 10:30 AM

🧒 Toddler Time (12-36 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

👶 Babytime (0-12 months) – 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM

🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

👪️ Family Place Storytime & Play Lab – 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

📖 French Reading Buddies (6-9 years) – 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

🎲 Friendsday Night Board Games – 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM

🎭️ 13! Junior at NWSS Theatre – 7:00 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Hitmix Bingo – 7:00 PM

🎙️ Weekly Karaoke Every Friday – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎙️ Notorious Grey Fox Karaoke Friday Nights – 9:00 PM until Close

January 24, 2026

🗣️ Spanish Conversation Drop-in – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

🏞️ Blustery Fraser Canyon – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🧶 Knitting & Crocheting Circle – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🖊️ Indigenous Brilliance Art and Writing Circle – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

🧵 Rug Tufting at Arrieta Art Studio – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🎲 Let's Connect and play Board Games – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🤝 Cérémonie de Bienvenue – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🎵 Live Music with Rocky Riobo at Flapper Lounge – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

🎹 Jazz Cats Social - Tom Arntzen and the Aviators! – 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM

🎶 Justin Willman - One For The Ages Tour – 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM

🕺 Saturday Dance Party at Georgie's – 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM

🥊 UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett – at Match Eatery

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

Image via Facebook

New Westminster Police Department officers arrested a suspect on January 16 following a series of events involving a stolen vehicle in the downtown area.

Shortly before 3:40 p.m., officers responded to reports of an individual unconscious in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked in the 500 block of Royal Avenue. Upon arrival, officers determined the vehicle had been reported stolen earlier that day in Surrey. Police secured the area and began coordinating a safe response.

As officers prepared to deploy stop sticks, the driver regained consciousness and fled eastbound on Royal Avenue at a high rate of speed. Officers did not pursue the vehicle.

A short time later, police located the same vehicle after it was involved in a collision near the intersection of Royal Avenue and 1st Street. The driver fled on foot but was arrested nearby following a brief foot pursuit. BC Emergency Health Services paramedics assessed the occupants of another vehicle involved in the collision and transported them to hospital as a precaution.

“This arrest was a true team effort,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “Our patrol members did an excellent job, and we’re thankful for the assistance from our specialty units.”

Police thanked witnesses who came forward to assist. Multiple charges are being recommended.

If you haven’t jumped in yet, there’s still plenty of time — Burger Bender is running through February 22, and it remains one of winter’s most satisfying food events for burger lovers.

This year’s Burger Bender lineup brings together bold new creations and returning fan favourites, making it well worth a mid-season visit. Sink your teeth into the rich Mighty Mushroom, stacked with sautéed crimini mushrooms and creamy Boursin cheese, or go big with the Super Smash Burger, featuring three griddled patties and layers of classic fixings. BBQ fans will love the Bacon BBQ Ranch Hand, while the Aloha Huli Huli Chicken delivers a sweet-and-savory island-inspired twist. And back by popular demand is the legendary French Onion Big Dipper, a best seller for two years running, complete with its signature dipping broth.

Every burger comes with fries, with tempting upgrade options available. Pair it with a nostalgic root beer float — spiked or classic — and you’ve got the perfect winter indulgence.

Burger Bender may be well underway, but it’s far from over — and still absolutely worth the bite. 🍔

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ What did the rain say to the rainbow? 🌈 

You complete my colors! 🖍️ 

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