Nanaimo RCMP attended Port Place Mall on Wednesday, Feb. 24 after reports a man was stabbed following a disagreement near Dollarama. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

STABBING

Man stabbed in downtown Nanaimo after social distancing disagreement

Feb 25, 2021 | 11:11 AM

NANAIMO — A man suffered minor injuries after verbal sparring with a fellow shopper turned violent.

Police were called to outside Dollarama at Port Place Shopping Centre around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24 following an altercation.

Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the 50-year-old victim, his wife and 25-year-old daughter were standing by their car when the alleged attacker walked past, too close. The daughter reminded the man about COVID-19 distancing requirements.

“The suspect took exception to this, swore some obscenities, next thing you know the victim is moving towards the suspect and a fight broke out. The victim was struck with a metal coffee cup in the face and during the struggle was allegedly stabbed twice.”

O’Brien said the stab wounds were caused by a small knife. The wounds were minor and non-life threatening and was taken to hospital in Nanaimo for treatment.

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The 58-year-old suspect ran from the scene however police on Gabriola Island later arrested the man at his home without incident.

He was returned to Nanaimo RCMP and faces a single charge of assault with a weapon. The man was released and is set to appear in court in late May, 2021.

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