Two people were hit with bear spray at Port Place Shopping Centre on Wednesday night, in an attack involving up to four men. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

three arrested

‘Several weapons were produced:’ two bearsprayed in downtown Nanaimo attack

Mar 18, 2026 | 10:15 AM

NANAIMO — An altercation between two unhoused people in the city’s downtown and a group of men led to three arrests and minor injuries.

Members from the Nanaimo RCMP, along with Nanaimo Fire Rescue and paramedics from BC Emergency Health Services were called to Port Place Shopping Centre on Tuesday, March 17 just after 7:15 p.m. after reports of an incident involving upwards of six people.

Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said once on scene, officers determined the two unhoused people were attacked by the group with bear spray used.

“During the altercation, it’s believed that several weapons were produced, including bear spray, knives and a handgun. Our members responded, located two of the suspects that were identified to them, they were taken into custody.”

O’Brien confirmed the handgun involved in the incident was later discovered to be an Airsoft pistol.

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A third person was arrested a short time later at a central Nanaimo home, where a majority of the weapons believed to be used were also seized.

The trio were later released on undertakings to appear in court later this year, while police are working to identify and arrest a fourth individual.

Two victims on scene were treated for injuries related to the bear spray.

Witnesses to the incident told NanaimoNewsNOW the pair ran into nearby Thrifty Foods in an attempt to flush out their eyes of the harmful spray.

This incident follows a string of similar violent altercations in recent weeks.

Multiple reports of Airsoft bullets being fired at people downtown, including near Port Place Shopping Centre were investigated earlier this month.

In late February, a group of 13 and 14-year-old boys attacked a man of no fixed address at the downtown transit exchange.

O’Brien said there’s nothing to indicate those incidents are connected to Wednesday’s attack.

“We just say it’s a violent incident, and unfortunately, that mall has seen a number of significant incidents. Our members worked quickly, decisively, they took those people into custody, the two individuals that were sprayed, they were treated, and the situation was wrapped up quite clearly by the end of the evening.”

Anyone with information on the identity of the fourth individual is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 1-250-754-2345.

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