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Suspect arrested after Nanaimo, B.C., axe attack: RCMP

NANAIMO, B.C. — RCMP in Nanaimo, B.C., say they've arrested a suspect after a 30-year-old man was struck with the blunt end of an axe blade over the weekend.
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The RCMP logo is seen outside Royal Canadian Mounted Police "E" Division Headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on Friday April 13, 2018. RCMP in Nanaimo, B.C., are investigating after a 30-year-old man was struck with the blunt end of an axe blade. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

NANAIMO, B.C. — RCMP in Nanaimo, B.C., say they've arrested a suspect after a 30-year-old man was struck with the blunt end of an axe blade over the weekend.

Police say in a statement the man suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the attack in the parking lot of the Port Place Mall on Saturday. 

The Mounties say witnesses told officers that the victim and suspect knew each other and had been seen arguing before the incident.

They say the suspect ran off after hitting the victim, taking the axe with him, and he couldn't be found despite a search with the help from police dog services. 

RCMP say a 39-year-old man was arrested Monday and charges of assault with a weapon are expected to follow shortly. 

The man hit with the axe was treated for his injuries in hospital. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 6, 2023.

The Canadian Press