Update: Feb.6, 2023 @3:40pm: A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an axe attack in the parking lot of Port Place Mall on Saturday.

The suspect was arrested early this morning by officers with the Nanaimo RCMP Bike Unit.

A judicial bail hearing is expected to be held this evening where charges will be formally laid. The victim remains in the Nanaimo hospital.

Original story: Feb. 6, 2023 @ 1:30pm:

A weekend argument between two adults ended with one being struck with an axe and taken to hospital in Nanaimo.

Police said the incident occurred just after 5 pm on Saturday, in the parking lot of the Port Place Mall. 

NowMedia

Witnesses told police that the victim and suspect, who are known to each other, had been seen arguing prior to the incident.

At one point, the suspect approached the victim, age 30, and struck him in the head with the blunt end of an axe blade. The suspect then fled on foot with the axe.

"Police flooded the area and with the assistance of RCMP Police Dog Services searched for the suspect and axe but were unsuccessful. The victim was taken to the Nanaimo hospital for medical treatment," said the RCMP.

“Investigators are actively searching for the suspect and are confident that he will be soon located and held accountable for his alleged actions," said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

If anyone has information on this incident, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2023-4037.