Two men busted into a ground level unit in this condo building unit Monday night and stole a backpack, while one occupant was hit with a machete handle. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

investigation underway

Machete used in Brechin Hill home invasion

Feb 9, 2021 | 3:31 PM

NANAIMO — Police say a machete was used in a home invasion by two men who burst into a condo unit on Poplar St. just off Terminal Ave.

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said it happened Monday, Feb. 8 at about 8 p.m. when the ground floor unit at Brechin Views was busted into and one of three residents hit with a machete handle.

He said the suspects were inside the apartment for under one minute, grabbed a backpack then took off through a patio door.

“We had our Police Dog Services on scene within a couple minutes, they tracked through the Chestnut neighhbourhood, then back toward the Departure Bay Motel where the track abruptly ended, which meant to us a vehicle was probably involved.”

O’Brien said the victim was not cut.

holiday check stops

Nanaimo motorists shine during province-wide crackdown

22m ago

targeted job action

Striking Nanaimo postal workers disrupt Purolator operations

3h ago

final flight

Massive Philippine Mars waterbomber preparing for final Island departure

8h ago

He wouldn’t reveal what was inside the backpack.

Both suspects described as white and standing about 5’10” were wearing masks, O’Brien said.

“One of them walked hunched over and often stared down at his feet, so we’re hoping if somebody gets that description they might know who that person is.”

O’Brien said investigators believe this was a targeted incident and the public is not at risk.

Anybody with information is encouraged to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW