Several firearms were recovered from an encampment in Nanaimo's Bowen Park Friday morning, after a man arrived in hospital suffering from a gunshot wound, which police believe was likely self-inflicted. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

guns seized

Guns found in Nanaimo park after man goes to hospital with gunshot wound

Apr 25, 2025 | 2:56 PM

NANAIMO — Local police found several guns following a search of an encampment at a central Nanaimo park on Friday, after a man arrived at the hospital suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the leg.

Nanaimo RCMP said they believe the shooting occurred around 6:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, in Bowen Park, near the intersection of Bowen Rd. and Wakesiah Ave.

Reserve. Cst. Gary O’Brien said based on information they obtained at the hospital, they went to Bown Park and found an encampment deep in the bush.

“Several individuals, adults, were in that camp. They were all removed, we searched the camp and surrounding area and found upwards of four firearms. We found what we believe to be stolen property, mainly tools and some prohibited weapons, which consisted of knives.”

O’Brien said they believed most of those items were stolen.

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One person was initially taken into custody but has since been released with no charges pending.

“At this point, we haven’t identified anything to suspect that there’s anything more than a self-inflicted gunshot wound. We’re always following the evidence, but nothing is indicating any suspects or any other witnesses.”

A number of users on social media commented on the large police presence at Bowen Park early Friday morning, with O’Brien telling NanaimoNewsNOW a situation involving guns is high-priority.

“We had a number of police officers, including police dog services and some of our emergency response team members who were there. Since then, we have concluded our search of the area. The Community Safety Officers are on scene and they’re dismantling the encampment which had been there for some time.”

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

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