Police said a man was assaulted by three people during an early morning walk on Monday, Feb. 8.

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

ASSAULT

Photographer assaulted during early morning walk through Nanaimo’s downtown core

Feb 16, 2021 | 10:19 AM

NANAIMO — RCMP are seeking witnesses to an assault in the city’s downtown core.

A 33-year-old man said he was attacked during a morning walk around 5 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 8 near the intersection of Front. St and Bastion St. The man said he wanted to take photos and videos of the downtown in the early morning.

Cst. Gary O’Brien said he was approached by two men and a woman who accused him of recording them on his phone.

“One of the men with her then punched the victim in the head. The victim believes he lost consciousness and fell to the ground.” O’Brien said.

After the victim regained consciousness, his cell phone and wallet were gone. A security guard at the Coast Bastion hotel later found the three people and retrieved the items. Police later patrolled the area but were unable to locate anyone.

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The man suffered bruising around the right side of his mouth and several cuts to his right hand as a result of the attack.

He was unable to provide solid descriptions of the attackers other than to say the woman had red hair. He also said the man who punched him was caucasian with black hair.

Police said the three people were unknown to the assault victim.

O’Brien said there are few restrictions when taking photos or video in public.

“There’s no expectation of privacy on any public street, but the reality is someone may take exception to that and appears this may have happened in this case.”

If you have any information in this incident, please contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250 754 2345.

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