The Nanaimo man who was shot at Sunday while attempting to retrieve items allegedly stolen from his business remains in hospital to undergo a third surgery.
Clint Smith’s family says his prognosis is good, but his recovery will be lengthy. While the shooter hasn’t been identified or arrested, the community is stepping up to help.
Police tape still surrounds a homeless encampment where a violent altercation began and Smith suffered a gunshot wound. He remains in hospital Tuesday night.
“Clint is still in an induced coma,” said Paul Leslie, Smith’s father-in-law. “They’ve done two surgeries, but they needed to do another one to try and reconnect his intestines.”
Leslie says the third surgery will likely happen either Tuesday night or Wednesday.
Smith was one of six people who went to the encampment near the Millstone River, just below Terminal Avenue, to retrieve some stolen auto-mechanic equipment spotted there. Smith runs Ernie’s Blackpoint Repair, only a few blocks away.
Retrieving the goods, however, did not go smoothly. One witness says voices were raised and weapons were drawn, culminating with those at the camp pulling out guns. Those who came to get the goods scrambled back to their vehicles.
Video surveillance shows one of the people with a gun. Dozens of shots were reportedly fired, with one bullet hitting the radiator of the car Smith came in and another hitting Smith in the stomach.
“No vital organs were hit, but anything in there is hard to control, so they’re being super cautious,” said Leslie.
A GoFundMe was launched Monday to support Smith and his family during his recovery. People have already donated more than $12,000.
“Very thankful for everyone’s prayers and support that they’ve been giving and the messages and the calls that we’ve received,” said Leslie.
Comedian Peter Hudson has announced proceeds from a variety show at The Queen’s on March 31 will now be earmarked for Smith.
“Clint is a friend of mine,” said Hudson.
“He’s my mechanic. He’s a good man. He helps this community non-stop, and that’s how we roll here in Nanaimo. When somebody’s down, the community gets behind him.”
Hudson says Smith did some mechanic work for him at cost when he was going through a rough time financially, and now it’s time to reverse the tables.
Police have not yet reported the arrest of any suspects.
People can donate to the GoFundMe campaign online here.
Kendall Hanson
