Nanaimo RCMP say the manager of a North Town Centre Mall business was violently assaulted about 5:45 p.m. Saturday by a shoplifter who hit him in the head with a shopping bag containing bottles.
The manager was taken to hospital by paramedics, treated for an injury described as “serious” and released.
Witnesses told police that the manager and a loss-prevention officer approached a man they believe had left the store without paying for merchandise.
A brief conversation followed and then man suddenly swung the shopping bag and hit the manager before running off.
Police have released two surveillance pictures of the suspect. He is described as white, 35 to 40 years old and slim. He was wearing a blue jacket with white stripes on the sleeves and a pale-blue ball cap and carrying a yellow shopping bag.
Anyone with information is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Reports can also be made at nanimocrimestoppers.com.
