A report of a possible abduction attempt in the parking lot of the Foundry Pub led to the arrest of four adults on Tuesday.
A witness called Nanaimo RCMP at about 4 p.m. to report seeing four or five people wearing masks attempting to force two men into a grey Toyota Sienna.
The witness description and video surveillance from a nearby business led officers to a home on Jingle Pot Road. They saw another suspect vehicle, a GMC Terrain, arrive at the home then speed off when officers approached.
Several hours later, three males and one female were arrested at the home and taken into custody.
The home has been secured and investigators are waiting for a search warrant to enter and gather evidence.
While at the residence, the abducted male arrived on foot. He was transported to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for his injuries and later released.
The second male, who managed to get away by running from his alleged attackers, has also been identified and was located unharmed.
The two victims are 17 and 31 years old.
The four people in custody range in age from 20-38, but have not been formally charged.
“It is only early in the investigation, however officers believe this incident has a drug connection,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. “When the home in question is searched, more information should come to light to assist in understanding why this occurred.”
Officers are actively searching for the two vehicles involved – a 2014 grey Toyota Sienna, with B.C. plate 649MPN, and a 2014 red GMC Terrain with B.C. plate 398MSM. If these vehicles are seen or their whereabouts known, please call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-80-222-8477.
Tips can be submitted online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.