A private security guard was attacked by a man well known to him during an altercation on Saturday, Oct. 22. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

random attack

Security guard injured by unprovoked attack in downtown Nanaimo

Oct 25, 2022 | 12:18 PM

NANAIMO — A private security guard sustained moderate injuries to their face and head after an apparent unprovoked attack in the downtown.

The guard, on foot patrol for Footprints Security, was walking past the A&W Restaurant on Victoria Cres. around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 when he was attacked by a man well known to him.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the guard was hit in the head with a pipe before being punched in the face.

“It appears the assault was unprovoked, the security guard just happened to be walking by the area when for unknown reasons the individual jumped out and started assaulting him.”

The attacker fled the scene but the incident was seen by several other people.

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The guard was treated for cuts and bruises to his face, while O’Brien said he could potentially have a concussion.

He declined to be taken to hospital.

Nanaimo RCMP officers tracked him down an hour later and arrested 52-year-old Michael Donald Maud of no fixed address.

He remains in police custody ahead of a Nov. 15 court appearance, facing charges of assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm.

Maud has an extensive criminal history dating back to 2004 with charges including resisting or obstructing a peace officer, failure to appear, robbery, fraud, break and enter, possession of stolen property, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and trafficking a controlled substance.

O’Brien said they’re glad they have Maud off the streets, while this unprovoked attack on a security guard is concerning.

“There’s a significant risk associated with being a security guard. Often they are on the front line of situation that are evolving in the downtown core, be it through people who are homeless, in the throes of addiction or mental health.”

O’Brien was unable to speak to a motive or contributing factors, citing an ongoing police investigation.

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