The manager of a large north end business was violently assaulted over the weekend by an adult male shoplifter, who struck him over the head with a shopping bag containing several bottles.
The injured employee was taken to local hospital by BC Paramedics where he was treated for a serious but non-life threatening injury. The incident took place at approximately 5:45 pm on Saturday November 22, 2019, in front of the business located at the North Town Centre Mall.
Witnesses told police, the manager and a Loss Prevention Officer (LPO) had approached the male suspect outside the business, after witnessing him leave without paying for some merchandise. After a short conversation, the male suspect suddenly swung the shopping bag at the manager. The suspect took off on foot and was last seen running toward Lowes.
The injured employee was treated at local hospital for his head injury, and later released. Two pictures of the suspect have been obtained. He is described as a Caucasian male, 35-40 years old, slim build, wearing a blue jacket with white stripes on the sleeve and wearing a pale blue ball cap. The shopping bag he was carrying was bright yellow.
If anyone has information on this incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com or call 1-800-222-8477