Nanaimo Mounties are searching for the suspect who robbed a man at knifepoint Wednesday.
The robbery happened at 2 p.m. near the intersection of Buttertubs Drive and Bowen Road.
The victim, 32, was walking toward the 7-Eleven on Bowen Road when a man approached, produced a small switchblade knife and demanded money.
When the victim hesitated, the robber punched him in the face took his wallet and cigarettes.
The victim and his assailant exchanged punches until the suspect fled southbound on Bowen Road.
Police responded with a tracking dog, which managed to track the suspect to 995 Bowen Road, but lost the scent shortly afterward.
The suspect is Caucasian, in his mid 20s, about six feet tall and heavy set. He was wearing a black shirt and blue jeans.
The cigarettes taken are a unique brand called Red Studio.
The victim was taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital to be treated for facial injuries he sustained in the altercation.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250–754-2345 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.