A car drove through the front of Nana Sushi on Monday, May 18, however no-one was seriously injured. One person, a Nanaimo man in his late 40s, is facing impaired driving charges. (Image Credit: Greg LePage)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

facing charges

Allegedly impaired driver arrested after crashing through Nanaimo sushi restaurant

May 19, 2026 | 2:32 PM

NANAIMO — Several people required treatment for minor injuries after a vehicle crashed into a downtown restaurant over the May long weekend.

The incident at Nana Sushi on the corner of Victoria Cres. and Albert St., happened Monday, May 18, at around 7:30 p.m. and saw a black Kia SUV drive into the storefront after travelling down Albert St., allegedly driven by a Nanaimo man in his late 40s who was impaired by drugs.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW a lot of people were in the area at the time of the crash, with police quickly identifying the driver of the vehicle, who is facing charges.

“He was detained for suspected impaired driving, based on our observations. Several people in the restaurant were injured, they were treated on scene for minor injuries. The driver himself was experiencing significant medical symptoms and was taken to the hospital with our officers as well.”

Nana Sushi was closed, as usual, on Tuesday, May 19, with the front of the store boarded up following Monday’s incident. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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No charges have been laid yet, with the investigation continuing.

Charges of impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm are possible, according to O’Brien.

The vehicle was towed from the scene Monday night and the restaurant boarded up for security.

Police are asking anyone who has direct knowledge of the incident, and who haven’t spoken with police so far, to contact the Nanaimo detachment at 250-754-2345.

O’Brien was unable to state why the vehicle veered into the restaurant, only saying “impairment is a contributing factor.”

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Allegedly impaired driver arrested after crashing through Nanaimo sushi restaurant

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