Nanaimo RCMP have arrested a 32-year-old man first thought to be the victim in a stabbing early Thursday.
Police reviewed surveillance video that was initially unavailable and concluded that the assumed victim was in fact the aggressor in the 4:15 a.m. incident near the Dollarama at Fifth Street and Bruce Avenue.
“Based on the evidence to date, investigators believe the accused, who has mental-health issues, initiated an unprovoked attack on a marginalized person of no fixed address,” said Const. Gary O’Brien.
The actual victim has since been identified and did not require medical treatment, while the aggressor was treated for serious but non-life-threatening stab wounds at hospital and later released.
Paramedics transported him after he staggered into a nearby 7-Eleven and asked for help.
Officers went to his home late Thursday afternoon and took him into custody.
jbell@timescolonist.com
