VPD officers arrested a man in the Downtown Eastside after he allegedly threatened a traffic control person in Burnaby with a knife.

On May 4, shortly after 1:00 p.m., Burnaby RCMP officers responded after a man allegedly held a knife to the throat of a flagger near Olive Avenue and Central Boulevard. The man was observed boarding a SkyTrain bound for downtown before police arrived. His description was broadcast to VPD officers shortly after the incident.

Approximately two hours later, Vancouver Police District Five officers observed a man closely matching the suspect’s description walking along East Hastings Street near Main Street. A hunting-style knife was recovered during a search following his arrest by VPD officers.

Surrey resident Derrick Whitebear, 42, was transported to Vancouver Jail before being turned over to Burnaby RCMP officers.

Whitebear has been charged with assault with a weapon and breach of probation.  He remains in custody until his next court hearing