Developmentally disabled man assaulted twice in 2 days, Nanaimo RCMP say

An RCMP patch is seen on the shoulder of an assistant commissioner, in Surrey, B.C., on Friday, April 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Mounties in Nanaimo are appealing for witnesses after a developmentally disabled man was assaulted by strangers twice in two days at the same bus stop.

On the evening of Oct.4, officers were called to the bus stop next to Port Place Mall, a statement from the Nanaimo RCMP said.

“Police attended and met with the victim, who is 19-year-old developmentally disabled man. He told the officers he was waiting for his bus, when, for unknown reasons, two individuals approached, knocked him to the ground then proceeded to assault him,” a statement from the detachment said.

“Following the assault, the two individuals left on foot and were last seen running towards downtown.”

While speaking to the victim, police learned he had also been assaulted by “three teenagers wearing hoodies” the evening prior in the same location, the RCMP said.

Police are appealing for witnesses, information and dash-cam video, noting the area is “frequented by pedestrians.”

Anyone wo can assist with the investigation is urged to call 250-754-2345.