Nanaimo Mall Shooting: RCMP Hunt Suspect After Bear Spray and Gunfire Incident
Nanaimo RCMP are actively searching for a suspect following a violent confrontation that erupted outside Woodgrove Mall on Wednesday afternoon, involving both bear spray and gunfire. The incident resulted in one man being treated at a local hospital for a gunshot wound before being released.
Escalation of Youth Confrontation
The altercation began when several youth became involved in a confrontation that quickly escalated. According to police reports, one youth discharged a can of bear spray during the dispute, exposing several individuals to the irritant. The situation turned more dangerous when another participant pulled out a firearm and fired shots.
The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries from the gunfire and is expected to make a full recovery. Medical personnel treated the man at the scene before transporting him to hospital for further care.
Police Investigation Underway
RCMP investigators have confirmed that the suspect and victim are known to each other, leading authorities to believe this was an isolated incident rather than a random act of violence. Police are continuing their search for the shooting suspect as the investigation progresses.
"We are actively pursuing leads and seeking the individual responsible for discharging the firearm," stated an RCMP spokesperson. "This appears to be a targeted incident between individuals who were known to each other."
Community Response and Safety Concerns
The violent incident at one of Nanaimo's major shopping centers has raised concerns about public safety in the area. Woodgrove Mall serves as a central hub for retail and community activities in the region, making Wednesday's events particularly alarming for local residents and business owners.
Police have increased patrols in the vicinity following the incident and are urging anyone with information about the confrontation or the suspect's whereabouts to come forward. The RCMP emphasized that while this appears to be an isolated incident, they take all reports of violence involving firearms seriously.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify and locate the individual responsible for the shooting. Additional details about the suspect's description or potential charges have not yet been released to the public.
