Nanaimo RCMP have arrested a suspect in an alleged assault that saw a 15-year-old youth beaten and forced to walk home naked on Friday evening.
The incident occurred on Friday evening, April 9th, and took place at a gathering near Long Lake — a popular hangout for teenagers.
The victim, a 15-year-old boy, was assaulted after the suspect made unprovoked accusations toward him then began punching and kicking the victim in the head.
According to police, the suspect then threw the victim’s cell phone, wallet, and shoes in the lake and told the victim to remove the rest of his clothing and walk home.
As the victim was walking home, a bystander came to his aid, providing clothing and a ride to the boy’s residence. The 15-year old male suffered numerous cuts and lacerations to his upper body, and received medical treatment at his home.
The parents of the youth reported the incident to the Nanaimo RCMP on Saturday, April 10th.
The same day, the suspect, a 16-year-old boy, was arrested after being involved in an unrelated motor collision in the vicinity of Wallace Street at Comox Avenue in Nanaimo, where he uttered threats and brandished a pipe at the victim.
Investigators were provided with a video of the incident which was uploaded and widely shared on social media.
“The video, which is approximately 2 minutes in duration was extremely disturbing, and witnessed by a number of youth who could be heard laughing and jeering at the victim,” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
A judicial bail hearing was held for the 16-year old suspect.
With respect to the April 9th incident, the youth has been charged with assault causing bodily harm and robbery.
As per the incident on Saturday, April 10th, he faces charges of uttering threats and possession of a weapon.
Investigators are looking to speak to anyone who was present and witnessed the incident, and anyone with information is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
