19-year-old VIU student, identified as Spencer Frey, suffered injuries following a house party in Nanaimo (submitted photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

assault update

Arrest made in possible hate crime assault against VIU student

Mar 30, 2022 | 1:30 PM

NANAIMO — An arrest has been made after an assault on a 19-year-old man which police say may have been a hate crime.

Nanaimo RCMP arrested a 19-year-old man on Tuesday, March 29 at around 10 p.m., with the individual now facing an assault charge, in connection with an attack on the victim at a house party in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 27.

Police say the victim was targeted because of their sexual orientation and consider the incident a possible hate crime.

He was released from police custody in advance of an initial May 24 court appearance and has not been formally charged.

It’s alleged the victim was punched in the head at the party on Old Slope Pl., then thrown to the ground where he was punched several more times. The assault stopped after friends of the victim intervened according to RCMP.

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In a news release, Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said violence of any kind is unacceptable.

“Especially when it involves individuals who have allegedly been targeted because of their sexual preference. We are aggressively pursuing this investigation and have reached out to the victim to ensure he is supported as the investigation progresses”.

Police are continuing with their investigation into this incident and are asking any witnesses to come forward.

They can contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file number 2022-10317.

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