The Nanaimo RCMP is investigating an assault with a baseball bat that sent the victim to hospital with serious injuries.
The incident occurred just before 5 PM on Friday, on Bruce Ave near Dundas St.
Police, Fire and BCEHS responded. Witnesses told police, the suspect was seen approaching the victim wearing a mask and carrying a baseball bat. The suspect then allegedly hit the victim with the bat and kicked him before fleeing on foot with a group of 4-5 youths.
Bystanders provided first aid to the 18-year man until such time that emergency first responders arrived on scene.
BCEHS transported the victim to the Nanaimo hospital, where he was later airlifted to a hospital in Victoria with serious life-threatening injuries.
Police later located a vehicle associated to the assault, and seized it for a forensic examination. Police have also identified the registered owner of the vehicle.
To date, no arrests have been made.
“This was a vicious attack carried out in broad daylight that has shocked the community. We want to assure people that this is a priority investigation and that the investigators are focused on identifying who is responsible, and holding them accountable for their actions”, said Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
If anyone has information on this incident, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
