Nanaimo RCMP are looking for people who might have witnessed a road rage incident, which sent one male driver to hospital with minor injuries and damaged two vehicles.
The incident happened at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday approximately 500 metres south of the Island Highway and Aulds Road intersection. The two vehicles involved were a yellow Toyota FJ Cruiser and grey Dodge Caravan.
When officers arrived, they were met by two irritated drivers who told conflicting stories.
The 44-year-old driver of the Caravan, who complained of a sore neck and was later transported to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, told officers he had turned onto the Nanaimo Parkway when, for reasons unknown, the driver of the Cruiser rear-ended his vehicle.
The 60-year-old driver of the FJ Cruiser told police he was driving west along Aulds Road when he was allegedly cut off by the driver of the Caravan and minutes later, for unknown reasons, the Caravan braked, causing his vehicle to rear end the Caravan.
"With conflicting stories, independent evidence is required to determine what transpired. If you witnessed these two vehicles driving erratically, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP," said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, in a press release.
Police say getting home safely is more important than becoming involved in a potentially dangerous incident and recommend drivers who are agitated by the actions of other drivers to not react or retaliate, which could escalate the situation. Instead, avoid eye contact and practice safe driving habits.
Anyone with information, please call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, text 274637 with keyword Nanaimo, or submit a tip online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.