Pensioner questioned after paint poured over Vancouver Pride sidewalk

Police in New Westminster, B.C., are investigating a 91-year-old man after white paint was dumped on a rainbow Pride crosswalk in the city’s downtown core.

“The City of New Westminster embraces and celebrates diversity in our community”, said Mayor Jonathan Coté.

The city installed the crosswalk on Monday at Church and Columbia Street, one of many installments to be placed around the city in support of the upcoming Pride Week.

“This happened early in the evening when a lot of people were around, so a whole bunch of people were calling 911”, said Insp. Multiple witnesses contacted the New Westminster Police Department regarding the incident, and the man was apprehended a short distance away. He was taken to hospital for a psychological evaluation and could face a charge for mischief. The City has also provided both cash funding and in-kind services support for the New West Pride Street Party taking place on Columbia Street from 3pm to 8pm on Saturday, August 15.

New West councillor Patrick Johnstone posted pictures of the vandalism and clean-up on Twitter. Having said that, I don’t believe this represents New Westminster.

City crews have since been seen washing away the white paint.