Nanaimo RCMP is investigating an assault at a local mall

On June 16, 2025, at approximately 7:30 pm, police responded to a report of an assault at North Town Center Mall, 4750 Rutherford Road in Nanaimo.
A woman’s dog, which was off-leash, ran aggressively at a male and his leashed dog. The male stepped in to prevent his dog from getting hurt and kicked the woman’s dog.

The woman tried to intervene, and the male pushed her to the ground. The woman got up, facing the male and he struck her head with his head, causing her to crumple to the ground. Witnesses reported that the suspect then ran away, looking for his dog.
The witnesses stayed on the scene until police and Emergency Health Services arrived.
Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect:

A Caucasian male, aged 35 to 45 years, with short, dark hair and a stocky build. At the time of the assault, he was wearing a red shirt and tan shorts and walking with a medium-sized white dog with black spots.

Police request that anyone who may have witnessed the assault or may be able to identity the male, to please call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.