Screenshot of a disturbing baseball bat attack on Bruce Ave. in Nanaimo's harewood neighbourhood during the late afternoon on Friday, June 16. (Instagram)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

shocking attack

Police seeking suspect following disturbing baseball bat attack in Nanaimo

Jun 19, 2023 | 11:33 AM

NANAIMO — Local Mounties say an 18-year-old was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after he was attacked on video in the Harewood neighbourhood.

It happened on Friday, June 16 just before 5 p.m. on Bruce Ave. near Dundas St., involving a masked suspect, according to Nanaimo RCMP.

The highly disturbing incident captured in a short video posted to social media depicts a person lying on the side of Bruce Ave being hit in the upper body with a bat and then kicked.

Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said the victim was initially rushed to Nanaimo hospital.

“Then he was airlifted to Victoria, he was in bad shape. Indications are he’s stable at this point,” O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW, who noted the victim sustained head trauma.

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Police stated the suspect took off on foot with a group of four or five youths.

Bystanders provided first aid until emergency responders arrived.

“There’s obviously a connection between the two. We believe it’s a targeted incident. We’re doing the best we can to find that person and hold them accountable.”

O’Brien said a vehicle associated with the assault was seized for a forensic examination, and investigators have also identified the registered owner of the vehicle.

No arrests have been made. O’Brien wouldn’t comment if the youths associated with the suspect are cooperating with police.

He said tips from the public are advancing the investigation.

“We’re confident that the suspect will be identified and held accountable very quickly,” O’Brien said.

He said investigators are tirelessly working on the case, which he said is currently a top-priority file.

NanaimoNewsNOW has elected not to re-share the graphic video.

The daylight attack happened with numerous vehicles driving by at the time.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

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