Nanaimo RCMP say one person was taken to hospital with significant injuries following a fight involving multiple youths during a football game at Harewood Centennial Park on Wednesday, Nov. 13. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fight

One injured, another arrested after fight breaks out near Nanaimo high school football game

Nov 14, 2024 | 12:31 PM

NANAIMO — Local Mounties are looking into what sparked a fight between a group of youth at a local high school Wednesday evening.

Police say a fight broke out around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, along a pathway at John Barsby Secondary School and Harewood Centennial Park, the site of a junior varsity playoff football game involving the school’s team.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW multiple youths were involved in the altercation which resulted in significant injuries to one person.

“Several of the individuals who’d assaulted him were identified and at least one was arrested, later released. They’re all minors, except for the person who was assaulted who was 18 years of age.”

The victim was taken to hospital for their injuries but later released.

new mayor

Spring Mayoral by-election called in Ladysmith

1h ago

holiday check stops

Nanaimo motorists shine during province-wide crackdown

4h ago

targeted job action

Striking Nanaimo postal workers disrupt Purolator operations

7h ago

O’Brien said a knife was produced but it’s unclear whether it was used.

Police seized the knife after the incident and a single assault charge has been “tentatively” applied against one youth, with more potentially coming according to O’Brien.

He added the group of attackers were between 14 and 18 years old, and the incident had nothing to do with the players or fans at the game.

“A lot of people [attending the game] were quite helpful in breaking the fight up and responding to the injured youth.”

An investigation continues with officers in the school on Thursday speaking with students.

“Our school liaison officers are actively involved in this now. We’re quite confident they’ll be able to identify who the other suspects were. At least two suspects were involved, one was arrested and the other is still outstanding.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

Nanaimo RCMP were on scene on Thursday, Nov. 14 investigating an assault near John Barsby Secondary School the night prior. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Local news. Delivered. Free. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get our top local stories delivered to your email inbox every evening

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW