Nanaimo Mounties are asking the public to help them track down two suspects who assaulted and robbed someone Sunday.
The incident happened just after midnight in the pedestrian tunnel that crosses the Island Highway near the Morden Road intersection in South Wellington.
The victim, 34, told police he was walking through the tunnel when two men approached him and asked him for a smoke. When he declined he was punched in the face. He was punched repeatedly until he fell to the ground where he was kneed several times.
The victim fought back and managed to stop the attack, but the suspects were still able to make off with all the money in his wallet.
The victim suffered two black eyes, swollen nose and a concussion.
One suspect is described as First Nation, 35-40 years old, balding and weighed about 270 pounds. He wore a Fubu hoodie and white shorts.
The second suspect is also described as First Nation and 35-40, but with a thin build and long dark hair. He wore a black shirt and black pants and might have been carrying a canister of bear spray.
“Investigators believe the males responsible for this brutal assault most likely reside in the area,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. “We are hoping the public will come forward and assist us in identifying who these individuals are.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.
