One person was stabbed after a disagreement over a stolen purse in downtown Nanaimo on Wednesday. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

stabbing

Man seriously hurt in downtown Nanaimo stabbing

Sep 6, 2023 | 11:37 AM

NANAIMO — A man is in hospital while his alleged attacker is in custody following a stabbing in Nanaimo’s downtown core.

Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said it happened on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at about 9:30 a.m. on Victoria Cres. near the China Steps during a purse snatching incident.

He said a man who intervened to assist a victim received a singular stab wound.

“The suspect was later located on the roof of the Port Place attempting to enter into the mall. Our members arrived, took this person into custody without incident, that person is now in jail.”

O’Brien stated police received reports the suspect was seen running from the scene while carrying a knife and a stolen purse.

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The conscious and alert victim was later found at the China Steps and taken to hospital.

“We never recommend anybody to go hands-on in a situation where there’s violence involved,” O’Brien emphasized. “The best thing to do is to call 911 immediately from a safe distance and provide updates to the police.”

The accused, a man in his 30s, was arrested for assault causing bodily harm and is well known to police.

The knife which was allegedly used has also not yet been located, and officers are conducting searches for it.

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