An individual was hit with an axe in an attack along Front St. by Port Place Shopping Centre on Saturday evening. (Kyle Ireland/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

axe attack

Significant injuries stem from ‘very violent incident’ involving axe in downtown Nanaimo

Feb 6, 2023 | 11:23 AM

NANAIMO — Local Mounties have a man in custody who they believe is responsible for what they’re calling a “very violent incident” over the weekend.

Officers, along with paramedics attended a bus shelter on Front St., behind Port Place Shopping Centre just after 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 following reports of a man being hit with an axe.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the victim, a 30-year-old man, sustained significant injuries and was taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for treatment.

“Witnesses indicated the two people involved in the altercation apparently knew each other, they got into a heated discussion, at which one point a person produced an axe and hit the individual in the back of the head with the blunt end of the axe.”

The alleged attacker, 39-years-old, fled the scene with Police Dog Services unable to locate him.

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Officers however had a good idea through witness and victim statements who was behind the attack. The suspect was arrested Monday afternoon and will appear before the courts Monday evening.

O’Brien said both the victim and the attacker are believed to be living unhoused in the Nanaimo area.

He credited witnesses who were in the area at the time for their help.

“Nobody else was involved, there were several witnesses which are key which allowed investigators to determine what transpired prior to the incident.”

Police are not releasing any details about the alleged attacker, however charges of aggravated assault are being considered.

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