Nanaimo RCMP seek witnesses after daytime assault

A man walking along a Nanaimo street in the middle of the afternoon was suddenly attacked in what police are calling a violent and unexplained assault.

It happened around 3 p.m. Monday, on Seventh Street near Douglas Avenue, according to the Nanaimo RCMP.

Police say the victim was walking alone when he was struck from behind by an unknown blunt object and knocked to the ground.

Investigators say the suspect, who was not known to the victim, then allegedly pulled out a knife before running away on foot.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment. However, police say his memory was affected by his injuries, and he has not been able to provide a clear description of the suspect.

With very few leads, investigators are now turning to the public in hopes someone saw what happened.

Officers say they have already gone through the neighbourhood, checking homes and businesses for video footage, including CCTV and doorbell cameras. So far, nothing useful has been found.

Police are now focusing on a narrow 30-minute window between 2:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., and are asking anyone who was in the area, or noticed anything unusual to come forward, even if it doesn’t seem important.

At this point, investigators say they still don’t know what led to the attack or whether the victim was randomly targeted.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

The investigation is ongoing.