One man has suffered what police describe as “significant injuries” and a suspect has been arrested for assault with a weapon following a violent incident in downtown Nanaimo on the weekend.
According to Nanaimo RCMP, an altercation that happened at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday involved at least three people in the 100 block of Commercial Street.
RCMP investigators determined two men, who had been at a nearby nightclub, were walking along Commercial Street when they were allegedly confronted by a homeless man, which led to a physical altercation between the men that left one of them with serious injuries.
When police arrived they found one man lying unresponsive on the ground; he was taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital by ambulance.
A 38-year-old man was later arrested for assault with a weapon (a knife), assault causing bodily harm and uttering threats.
The suspect had also sustained injuries in the physical exchange, but did not require medical attention. He was later released on a promise to appear in Nanaimo provincial court on July 25.
The victim was kept in hospital overnight and police do not have an update on his condition.
Police are looking for witnesses to the assault.
“Given the location of the incident, time of the assault and with patrons spilling out from local nightclubs, it is more than likely someone heard or saw something, said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. “Investigators are interested in speaking with anyone who has information on the assault.”
Anyone with information, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 and quote file No. 2017-16199. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or call 1-800-222-8477.