Police say an 82-year-old man was attacked by at least one person after asking a group to move from the stairs by the Nanaimo Military Museum on Saturday, Nov. 20. (submitted photo/Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

DOWNTOWN ATTACK

Nanaimo senior attacked after asking group to move from downtown stairwell

Nov 23, 2021 | 2:10 PM

NANAIMO — An 82-year-old man escaped serious injury after being attacked after asking a group of people to move.

Police said Pat Murphy saw two women carrying shopping bags around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 20, attempting to go up the stairs near the Nanaimo Military Museum on Cameron Rd., near the Port Theatre.

Cst. Gary O’Brien said in a release Murphy asked a group of about 10 people to clear space for the women to walk up.

“Suddenly and without warning, Murphy was punched on the left side of his face. He was momentarily stunned but managed to defend himself by punching and kicking the suspect.”

The group fled, running northbound on Front St.

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A security guard in the area saw the incident and called 911. Murphy did not require any medical treatment after the assault.

According to Murphy, who volunteers at the museum, the stairs leading from the site to Front St. are constantly problematic.

“[Murphy told police] he is constantly having to ask the marginalized street population to clean up after themselves,” O’Brien said.

Earlier on Saturday, Murphy spoke with another group of people on the steps who took brooms Murphy was offering and helped sweep up their garbage and clean the area.

An investigation into the incident is continuing. A description provided by Murphy and the women suggest the attacker is a caucasian man, around 20 to 25 years of age, around 5’11” tall with a thin build.

He has some facial hair and a prominent chin with dark hair. He was wearing a baseball cap, grey hoodie and a black jacket at the time of the incident.

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