No one was injured when Airsoft BB's were fired, and a drink was thrown, at people waiting outside the Queens in downtown Nanaimo late Thursday night. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

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Multiple people targeted in pair of random Airsoft pistol attacks in downtown Nanaimo

Mar 13, 2026 | 1:05 PM

NANAIMO — Local Mounties are looking for more information after two separate incidents involving airsoft pistols fired from vehicles toward unsuspecting victims.

Nanaimo RCMP were called on Thursday, March 12, just before 9 p.m., when a black van, possibly a Dodge Caravan, travelled past people waiting to enter The Queen’s hotel on Victoria Cres.

Airsoft BBs were fired at the crowd before the van drove off, with a drink also thrown from the vehicle.

Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said nobody was injured outside The Queen’s however, a second incident took place about a half hour later.

“There’s patrons waiting at the bus stop outside Port Place Shopping Centre…a silver sedan was seen driving by. People (in the sedan) were wearing masks, and they fired airsoft pistols again, this time striking a woman in the face. She wasn’t seriously injured, but she did receive medical treatment.”

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Multiple people targeted in pair of random Airsoft pistol attacks in downtown Nanaimo

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The sedan then proceeded to turn and head south along Nicol St.

O’Brien said police are not sure if the two incidents are related despite the proximity.

Investigators cite different vehicles being involved, as well as the fact they’ve been unable to confirm any identities thus far.

O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW these are serious Criminal Code violations, and it’s fortunate nobody was seriously injured.

“Sometimes it’s for intimidation, sometimes they do it for a thrill factor, other times to deliberately hurt people. We don’t know what the motive was behind this, but we’re certainly going to find out.”

Police are looking for any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage in the area to give them a call on the non-emergency line at 1-250-754-2345.

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