Man shot while trying to retrieve stolen property from Nanaimo encampment

A shooting victim is in hospital after a fight broke out Sunday afternoon at a Downtown Nanaimo encampment when several people showed up trying to retrieve stolen property.

Nanaimo RCMP were called about the altercation at Mill Street and Barsby Avenue at about 3:30 p.m. Officers found a group of adults gathered in a parking lot on Terminal Avenue, one of whom had an apparent gunshot wound. An adult male received emergency medical care in hospital and is believed to be in stable condition.

Two people were taken into custody on unrelated warrants, said Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O’Brien.

“The original scene of the altercation, a shelterless encampment, was secured by officers to allow for forensics officers and police dog services to examine and search the area for evidence,” said O’Brien in a statement.

A gun was seized.