An attendant at James Convenience Store on Victoria Rd. suffered minor injuries after being assaulted by an angry customer. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

UNPROVOKED ASSAULT

Nanaimo gas station cashier attacked after stepping in to stop customer harassment

Jan 20, 2021 | 2:32 PM

NANAIMO — An apparent argument about cigarettes resulted in a local gas station attendant being beaten in the head.

RCMP were called to the James Convenience Store and gas station on Victoria Rd. around 6:40 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 18 after the cashier reported being assaulted by a man.

Cst. Gary O’Brien said the suspect was harassing another customer, demanding cigarettes.

“The incident was happening outside the store, the clerk told the guy to stop and leave the premises at which point the suspect turned on him and began striking on the head multiple times.”

The cashier suffered cuts to the head and two black eyes but didn’t require medical attention.

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The suspect was last seen walking down Victoria Rd and police are hoping to identify him.

Security camera photos of the man believed responsible for assaulting a Nanaimo gas station clerk in south Nanaimo. (Nanaimo RCMP)

He’s described as a white male, around 6-foot-tall with a slim build and blonde hair. He was wearing a ‘RCKLSS’ hoodie at the time of the incident.

“We don’t know if there are mental health issues at play or not. It was quite abhorrent behaviour, unprovoked and so we will be certainly looking at that,” O’Brien said.

If you have any information, contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250 754 2345.

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