RCMP search for driver of truck that caused chaos in downtown Nanaimo

RCMP are investigating a chaotic driving incident that left parts of downtown Nanaimo damaged on Tuesday.

At around 1:20 p.m. October 8th, an older model white pickup truck was seen heading south along Church Street.

Police say as it reached the intersection of Church and Commercial Streets, the driver veered off course, turning onto the sidewalk.

During this reckless move, the truck knocked over a solid object and a lamp post. The fallen lamp post struck a vehicle occupied by two adults.

Fredrik Collin, who witnessed the accident, said “with Church Street closed at Commercial, drivers suddenly have to make a U-turn, but there isn’t enough room for most vehicles to do it safely,” said Collin.

“An impatient guy in a jacked-up Ford Super Duty pickup couldn’t wait behind the few cars stopped for a U-turn. He drove onto the sidewalk off Chapel and Church Streets, hitting two bollards, then knocked over a light pole that took out a side mirror from a parked Toyota SUV. After that, he casually got back on the road and continued on his way.”

Thankfully, they were unharmed, though their vehicle sustained damage.

The driver failed stop after the crash and continued down Commercial Street and was last seen heading south along Front Street.

Approximately 20 minutes later, police were called to the 200 block of Nanaimo River Road, where the same vehicle was found abandoned, still running.

Despite a search by a police dog, the driver was nowhere to be found.

Nanaimo RCMP are now investigating and following up with the registered owner of the truck. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.