RCMP cruisers were seen throughout the south Nanaimo area, searching for a man accused of a violent sexual assault earlier in the day. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

MANHUNT

UPDATE: Man accused of violent sexual assault arrested by Nanaimo RCMP

Mar 27, 2023 | 3:26 PM

UPDATE — Police tell NanaimoNewsNOW the suspect was arrested at 3:50 p.m. on View St.

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EARLIER — NANAIMO — Local Mounties are searching the south Nanaimo area for a man they say is “extremely high on drugs” and accused of sexual assault.

A woman reported being grabbed by a man around 1:20 p.m. on Victoria Rd. near her place of work. The man was photographed by the woman’s friend as he left, a post which has since circulated virally on social media.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said the woman fought back, reported the incident to RCMP then posted on social media of her experience. He said officers are out searching for the man now in the View St.-Needham St. area.

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“The individual is extremely high on drugs, in a psychotic state and is very unpredictable,” O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW. “Should be considered dangerous and not approach.”

People who see the man are asked to contact 911 immediately.

No serious injuries were reported, however the woman said the man “came out of nowhere and grabbed me by my throat” before she yelled at him to get off her.

The woman also alleges he then tried to grab her chest, chased and threatened to kill her as she ran away into a nearby building.

An extensive police presence is moving throughout southern portions of the city in a search for the man.

O’Brien said they’re distributing the photo to their officers and are confident someone will recognize him.

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