Several injured after vehicles struck in Nanaimo mall parking lot, RCMP say

Several people were injured after a driver allegedly deliberately struck other vehicles in a Nanaimo mall parking lot on Saturday, RCMP say.

The incident happened shortly before noon near the Canadian Tire at North Town Centre Mall. Police said five vehicles were hit and the side of the Canadian Tire building was damaged. Officers spoke with several adults who reported injuries after their vehicles were struck.

Police later located the suspect vehicle, a grey Toyota Corolla, and its driver in the 4400 block of Wellington Road. A 44-year-old Victoria man was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and taken for physical and mental-health assessment.

RCMP said officers suspected alcohol was involved, but the driver refused to provide a breath sample and received a 90-day driving prohibition. Investigators are considering Criminal Code driving charges.

Anyone injured in the incident or whose vehicle was damaged is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.