A 70-year-old south Asian man was assaulted outside Lowes in late August after parking in a designated handicap parking stall. Both the man and his spouse have mobility challenges. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

unprovoked attack

Nanaimo senior assaulted in unprovoked attack over handicap parking spot dispute

Sep 18, 2020 | 9:16 AM

NANAIMO — A man has suffered an unprovoked and violent assault after trying to park at a handicap parking stall in Nanaimo.

RCMP said a 70-year-old south Asian man was parking his vehicle in a designated handicap space outside Lowes at Nanaimo North Town Centre during the evening of Thursday, Aug. 20.

Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW a man in his 30’s intervened for an unknown reason.

“A male came up, took exception to this and without any provocation punched him so hard in the head and knocked off his turban.”

Both the man and his spouse have mobility challenges.

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The man then yelled profanaties at the victim then fled the scene, running towards Tim Hortons.

“A very violent, unprovoked assault…totally unnecessary.”

The suspect is a caucasian male, about 35 years old, 5’7″ tall with a slim build.

Police delayed getting information on the assault out to the public as investigators worked other angles including retrieving video surveillance but have come up empty.

RCMP do not believe the assault is racially motivated.

“Our victim was in the wrong place at the wrong time, he was trying to park and for whatever reason the suspect took exception to this.”

If you have any information regarding this assault, you’re asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250 754 2345.

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