Investigators in Nanaimo are hoping to speak with anyone with information about a hit-and-run crash that sent a man to hospital with wounds to his head.
Police and paramedics were called to the parking lot of a 7-11 store at Fifth Street and Bruce Avenue at around 9 p.m. Wednesday night.
Witnesses told Nanaimo RCMP officers that a driver backed out of a parking stall, then accelerated forward about 30 feet and hit the victim, a 37-year-old-man, police said in a news release.
The impact caused the man to flip over the hood and hit the ground. The driver left the parking lot and drove through a stop sign, last seen heading southbound on Bruce Avenue, according to police.
“It’s a severe collision and there was an acceleration prior to it and the victim was standing in front of the car, it was impossible not to see that person,” said Const. Gary O’Brien.
The victim has since been treated and released from hospital, Nanaimo RCMP said Friday.
“They could be looking at aggravated assault, dangerous driving, even attempted murder depending on the intent,” Const. O’Brien added.
RCMP previously took the unusual step of asking for help identifying a specific pair of people who might have witnessed the hit-and-run, but have since spoken with both witnesses and have confirmed there is no connection between them and the driver.
Anyone who has further information about the hit-and-run is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 and quote file number 2021-4180.
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