Victoria man arrested after allegedly ramming multiple vehicles in Nanaimo

Over the weekend, Nanaimo RCMP responded to an incident in which a driver drove his vehicle into multiple other vehicles. 

Early in the afternoon of Saturday, July 25th, police responded to several reports of a vehicle that was allegedly deliberately driving into vehicles in the parking lot of the North Town Centre Mall.

The suspect had fled the scene by the time police arrived, but investigators were able to obtain information on the alleged driver and his vehicle from witnesses to the incidents. 

Police say there were several adults who reported injuries sustained when their vehicle was allegedly struck by the suspect vehicle. Victims were treated for their injuries at the scene.

Shortly after, officers located the suspect driver and vehicle, a grey Toyota Corolla, in the 4400 hundred block of Wellington Road. 

The driver was arrested without incident under the Mental Health Act.

Police believe the suspect, a 44-year-old man from Victoria, had been consuming alcohol at the time of the incidents. 

According to Nanaimo RCMP, the driver refused to provide a breath sample, which resulted in a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition being issued. 

After he was apprehended, the driver was taken for a physical and mental health assessment.

Ultimately, five vehicles were struck and several vehicle occupants sustained minor injuries. 

Police noted that significant damage was also caused to the side of the North Town Centre Canadian Tire. 

The investigation remains ongoing as police consider charges. 

Anyone who was injured or whose vehicle was damaged during the incident, and has not spoken to police is being advised to contact Nanaimo RCMP at (250) 754-2345.