A scuffle between two older gentlemen on a trail near Timbercrest Way and Glen Oaks Dr. was sparked by a comment about an off-leash dog. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Off-leash scuffle

Comments about off-leash dog sparks fight between Nanaimo seniors

May 15, 2020 | 1:21 PM

NANAIMO — A picturesque morning walk for a 74-year-old turned violent after he made a comment about an off-leash dog.

Nanaimo RCMP said the senior was walking his leashed dog on a trail near Glen Oaks Dr. and Timbercrest Way around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14.

He passed another elderly man, 72, walking his dog in the other direction, only this dog wasn’t on a leash.

Seeing this, the 74-year-old victim made a comment about leashing the dog which didn’t sit well with the man.

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the off-leash dog owner yelled at the 74-year-old and punched him in the face, cutting his lip.

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This led to a short altercation before the suspect left, swearing and threatening the elderly victim.

“He was very upset and he promptly reported to us, this is the last thing that he would have expect out walking his dog in his neighbourhood where he has lived for a number of years.”

O’Brien said it’s believed there were no witnesses to the attack.

“For someone to act that way, we need to find out why it happened and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” O’Brien said.

The suspect is described as white with a medium build and a white mustache. He apparently told the victim during their fight he was 72-years-old.

The victim does not recall many details about the suspect beyond green boots and the dog being small, black and shaggy.

Anyone who has information on the altercation is urged to call Nanaimo RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

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