An argument about physical distancing led to a man being stabbed in front of his family.

RCMP say a 50-year-old man received 鈥渕inor, non-life threatening injuries鈥� in a stabbing in the parking lot of Port Place shopping centre in downtown Nanaimo. The incident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, outside the Dollarama store.

Investigators say the victim was with his wife and daughter, who told the suspect he was standing too close and should maintain physical distancing.

鈥淭he suspect took exception to this comment and yelled some obscenities at her,鈥� noted an RCMP press release.

The victim was struck with a metal coffee cup when he moved toward the suspect and a fight ensued between the two, ending with the stabbing. The suspect left on foot and a knife was recovered at the scene.

The victim was transported to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital where he received treatment for his wounds.

About one hour after the incident, police received information the suspect was on Gabriola Island where RCMP officers attended his residence and arrested him without incident. He was transported to Nanaimo and turned over to Nanaimo RCMP.

The suspect has been released from custody and is slated to face a charge of assault with a weapon in court in Nanaimo in May.

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