Police arrested a man who allegedly stabbed another during an altercation at the corner of Cavan St. and Victoria Cres. late Tuesday morning. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
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UPDATE: Man arrested, another sent to hospital after serious stabbing in downtown Nanaimo

May 28, 2024 | 11:45 AM

NANAIMO — One person is in custody, another remains in hospital after a serious altercation in the city’s downtown.

Police, Nanaimo Fire Rescue and BC Emergency Health Services were called to the corner of Cavan St. and Victoria Cres. around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28 after a man was stabbed.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW a 35 year old man received multiple stab wounds, including at least one in the upper body, from a knife.

“Based on information received from witnesses which was forwarded to members arriving, they were able to locate and arrest without incident a suspect for the stabbing.”

The victim was transported to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for further treatment.

The suspect is 39 years old and was previously described by police as an Indigenous male with black hair, who was wearing red and black sweatpants and white runners at the time of the incident.

O’Brien said Police Dog Services were called to the scene in a bid to locate the knife used, however he was unable to provide an update on its location.

He added if anyone does find it, they’re asked not to handle it.

“It could be contaminated with bodily substances, please do not touch it and it would also have forensic evidence. Just stay with it, call 911 if you have to and one of our members will come and respond to pick up the knife.”

O’Brien said both men were known to each other and to police.

Charges of assault causing bodily harm are possible against the yet-to-be-named suspect.

Officers focused efforts on scene by a vacant lot between Nicol St. and Victoria Rd., behind the old firehouse. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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