Police are investigating after a homeless man was run over and pepper-sprayed in south Nanaimo. (file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

disturbing

Homeless person run over, pepper-sprayed in early evening attack

Jul 11, 2021 | 2:14 PM

NANAIMO – Police are investigating a “disturbing” attack against a homeless person.

A 45-year-old man pushing a shopping cart along Victoria Ave. in central Nanaimo around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 10 was accosted by people inside a black car.

Cst. Gary O’Brien in a release said words were exchanged between the homeless man and those inside the car before the situation escalated dramatically.

Independent witnesses reported the car sped up and crashed into the man, knocking him to the ground.

“Witnesses said one of the occupants got out of the car and discharged pepper-spray at the victim as he lay on the ground.”

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The car then sped off. No information about those inside or a license plate were gathered by witnesses.

The homeless victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The scene on Victoria Ave. was closed for several hours.

“This incident is extremely troubling as it appears from all accounts the victim was targetted for being a marginalized person,” O’Brien said in a release.

Anyone who has information about the incident is urged to call Nanaimo RCMP.

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