Senior's turban punched off his head during dispute over disabled parking spot in BC

BC Mounties are investigating after a 70-year-old man was punched in the head during a dispute over a disabled parking spot.

He was struck so hard that his turban fell off, police in Nanaimo said.

It happened on the evening of Aug. 20 in a parking lot outside Lowes at Nanaimo’s North Town Centre Mall.

Both medics and Mounties attended after the assault.

Police said the man was in the process of parking his vehicle in the disabled spot (his spouse has “significant physical disabilities”) when an unknown man approached him.

The man “took exception” to where the victim was parking and, without provocation, punched him once in the head, police said.

The suspect then reportedly “shouted some profanities” at the victim before running off towards Tim Hortons.

Medics assessed the victim at the scene and determined he did not need further treatment.

The victim provided the following description of the suspect:

• White

• 5 ft 7 in

• Slim

• Dark hair

• Wearing light-coloured shirts and pants

“Based on the evidence gathered to this point, investigators do not believe this incident was racially motivated,” said Const. Gary O'Brien.

“If anyone has information on this incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and quote file # 2020-30474.”