Nanaimo RCMP are looking for tips or witnesses that could lead investigators to the person who allegedly bear-sprayed a man while he was out walking his dog.
The assault happened Thursday, April 18, at about 8 p.m. on Godfrey Road, near a roundabout where the road intersects with Big Bear Ridge.
“The victim, who is 54 years of age and has significant [developmental] disabilities, was walking his dog … when a male, who was wearing a hoodie and was talking on his phone, for unknown reasons, he hits him with bear spray and the guy takes off,” said reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson.
O’Brien said the victim fell to the ground and made a “lot of noise” attracting attention to his emergency. Several people from nearby residences came out to help him and called Emergency Health Services. The victim was treated at the scene for the effects of the bear spray and then taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for further treatment.
“His care worker went to the hospital where he was being treated,” O’Brien said. “Our members took a statement from him … They canvassed the area. There’s no independent witnesses. They couldn’t find any CCTV cameras. We have all the information on file, but there’s nothing further we can do at this point unless we get another development.”
Police are asking anyone who has any information about this assault to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and quote file No. 2024-12025.