A 56-year-old man was seriously wounded after he was hit by a vehicle on Milton St. Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 a.m. The man is recovering in hospital, while police examine a suspect vehicle. (RCMP file photo)
Hit & run

Man sent to hospital after hit and run in downtown Nanaimo

Feb 18, 2020 | 12:25 PM

NANAIMO — A man was seriously hurt in an overnight hit and run during the long weekend.

Nanaimo RCMP said a 56-year-old male pedestrian was hit by a vehicle in the 600 block of Milton St. on Sunday, Feb 15 at 2:30 a.m..

He was taken to hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Later that morning a grey 2005 Toyota Corolla parked in front of a home on Gillespie St. was seized by police.

Mounties believed the car was involved in the incident based on evidence collected at the scene, including parts of a car, and damage found on the Toyota Corolla.

Cst. Gary O’Brien said police are obtaining a search warrant to further examine the car.

“There’s no doubt whatsoever that the individual driving that car would have known that they had struck an individual.”

O’Brien said police spoke to the car’s previous owner, but said the vehicle changed hands about two months ago.

“But as to who owns it now and why it ended up on Gillespie St, that’s what we’re trying to piece together.”

Police said investigators spoke to several people who didn’t see the collision, but heard the impact. Sounds of a vehicle engine revving and driving away were also reported to police.

O’Brien said the victim was in distress on scene, falling in and out of consciousness as he was attended to by emergency responders.

Anybody who may have dash cam footage that could assist the investigation are asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP.

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