Mounties on Bar Watch patrol saw more than their share of action when a brawl broke out at the Old City Station Pub Friday.
Police entered the establishment just after 11:30 p.m. to do a routine check in the premises just as a fight broke out that included someone throwing a beer bottle at one of the staff.
When the officers attempted to take the alleged bottle thrower into custody, he put up a struggle that involved a second suspect who allegedly jumped into the melee to prevent the police from making the arrest.
"During that struggle one of the members was punched in the face and thrown across the room," said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. "[The suspects] were big boys, very aggressive, extremely violent."
One of the officers tried to deploy his Taser during the struggle, which for reasons unknown, proved ineffective.
"Additional troops were called in and they eventually subdued the two individuals who were taken into custody," O'Brien said.
Both suspects were released Saturday morning on a promise to appear at Nanaimo provincial court in March, plus other conditions which included not returning to the Old City Station Pub.
Both men, ages 23 and 19, from Nanaimo, will likely face numerous charges, including assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and causing a disturbance.
A third suspect, age 23, also allegedly involved with the incident is potentially facing charges as well.
Both officers initially involved in the arrest attempt sustained minor injuries.