Nanaimo RCMP is investigating the alleged assault of a 70-year-old South Asian male that took place following a parking spot dispute.
Police say that the 70-year-old man was “punched in the head” due to a dispute over a handicap parking space that occurred on Thursday, August 20.
The incident being investigated took place in the parking lot of Lowes – located in the North Town Centre Mall – at some point between 7:30 and 8 p.m.
Following the alleged assault, both police and BC Paramedics attended the scene.
The victim informed patrol officers that he had been trying to park his vehicle in a designated handicap spot because his spouse has significant physical disabilities.
An unknown male approached and took exception to where he was parking, the victim told police. According to a report sent from RCMP, the unknown male punched the victim, without any provocation, in the head with enough force to knock his turban off.
Police added that the suspect shouted some profanities in the direction of the victim while running off in the direction of a nearby Tim Hortons.
The victim was assessed at the scene by BC Paramedics, but did not require further medical treatment, said RCMP.
The victim described the suspect as being a Caucasian male, 5 ft. 7, slim build, dark hair and wearing a light coloured shirt and pants.
Based on the evidence gathered to this point, investigators do not believe this incident was racially motivated,
said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Nanaimo RCMP are asking for anyone with information regarding this incident to please call the non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and quote file # 2020-30474.
CHEK News
