Nanaimo RCMP are seeking public assistance in identifying a suspect who attacked an 82-year old man outside the Nanaimo Military Museum.
Pat Murphy, who has agreed to be identified, is a long serving volunteer with the museum.
On Saturday, November 20th at approximately 3 p.m., Murphy noticed two women carrying shopping bags making their way up the stairs toward the museum.
In an attempt to assist, Murphy asked a group of 10 marginalized people who were sitting on the stairs to make room to allow the women to pass safely.
Immediately after making this request, Murphy was punched in the left side of his face.
According to Murphy, he was momentarily stunned but was eventually able to defend himself, punching and kicking his assailant.
A nearby security guard witnessed the attack but was unable to catch the suspect as they fled on foot. The suspect was last seen running northbound on Front street.
The security guard called 911.
Police were quickly on scene to attend to Murphy who declined medical treatment. Officers conducted a search of the area for the suspect but were unable to locate the individual.
The suspect was described as a Caucasian man around 20 to 25-years-old. He is said to be very thin with some facial hair, a prominent chin and dark hair.
At the time of the attack, the suspect was said to be wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie with a black jacket over top.
If you have any information regarding this incident you are asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
