Nanaimo RCMP and Police Dog Services officers stand on the exact spot on Dickinson Rd. where a woman was beaten with a mallet on Thursday evening, before being robbed of her purse. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

disturbing attack

Woman attacked during attempted abduction in Lantzville

Mar 25, 2022 | 1:32 PM

NANAIMO — A young woman fought off a stranger who assaulted her and then tried to force her into his vehicle on Dickinson Road.

Nanaimo RCMP said the incident occurred on Thursday, March 24 at about 7 p.m. just north of Schook Rd. after the suspect began making strange turns in an SUV near the victim who had gotten off a transit bus.

“That same car approached her, a male got out, he struck her several times with a blunt object after asking her for directions on her phone,” RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He said the suspect tried to force the victim into his vehicle after assaulting her.

“She courageously fought back and removed herself from the situation,” O’Brien said, noting the victim ran to the closest home for help.

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The suspect followed her on foot for a short distance, then got back in his vehicle and proceeded north on Dickinson Rd., O’Brien said.

The victim was taken to Nanaimo hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said the area was canvassed but neither the suspect or his vehicle could be located.

Nanaimo RCMP were on scene Friday, March 25 searching for clues to advance their investigation.

O’Brien said the victim managed to supply a detailed description of the suspect and his vehicle. He’s described as caucasian, 50 to 60-years-old with an average height and weight. He had a scruffy face and grey or dark brown hair.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as a newer model silver/grey Mitsubishi Outlander with Alberta plates with a bumper hanging off the front of the vehicle. O’Brien said its believed the vehicle is from about 2016 and had an entertainment screen.

Description of a vehicle linked to a disturbing abduction attempt against a young woman on Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m. on Dickinson Rd. near Schook Rd. (Nanaimo RCMP)

“We’re asking if anybody in the area at the time that has either dash cam video or home security to please review and see if they picked up on anything that can help us,” O’Brien said.

Police are asking anybody who lives nearby who has security footage or motorists with potentially useful dash cam video to contact Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and quote file # 2022-9974.

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