Police said a 15-year-old boy was attacked, beaten and had his clothing and belongings stolen after an argument at a party near Long Lake. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

YOUTH BEATEN

Nanaimo teenager beaten, stripped naked in public assault near Long Lake

Apr 12, 2021 | 3:02 PM

NANAIMO — A local teenager was assaulted and stripped naked after a party in north Nanaimo.

Police said the 15-year-old victim was leaving a gathering near Long Lake around 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 9 when he was attacked, beaten and stripped naked by a 16-year-old boy, cheered on by a group.

Cst. Gary O’Brien said investigators found a video of the incident which was shared online.

“The video, which is approximately 2 minutes in duration was extremely disturbing and witnessed by a number of youth who could be heard laughing and jeering at the victim.”

Police believe the incident stemmed from accusations made towards the victim by the suspect earlier in the night, but wouldn’t speak to what those accusations were.

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The victim suffered numerous cuts, scrapes and bruises after being punched and kicked in the head. His cell phone, wallet and shoes were tossed into the lake by the suspect.

A bystander provided the boy clothes and a ride home.

“If it wasn’t for somebody who was driving by and saw the 15-year-old male, provided assistance, give some clothing and took him to his nearby house he would have been subjected to the entire way of walking home, naked.” O’Brien said.

The 16-year-old suspect was arrested on Saturday, April 10 after an unrelated car crash near Wallace St. and Comox Ave.

Police said the youth threatened the driver of the other car involved in the collision with a metal baton.

The boy remains in police custody and is facing charges of assault causing bodily harm and robbery from the incident following the party.

Follow-up charges of uttering threats and possession of a weapon were laid after the vehicle crash.

O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW an arrest doesn’t spell the end of the police investigation.

“We’ll certainly be working with our youth liaison officers because a number of the people who witnessed it were youth. We’ll hope to talk to them, gather their perspective and any video evidence they may have as well.”

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff