A 66-year-old quadriplegic man living in a rural area outside Qualicum Beach was airlifted to Victoria hospital on Friday after being assaulted at his residence, according to Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department Lieutenant Dick Shantz, who attended the scene.
Shantz described the victim's injuries as "severe."
An Oceanside RCMP news release issued Saturday confirmed details of the incident, which allegedly occurred shortly before 1 p.m. According to the release, RCMP located a 44-year-old male suspect at approximately 4 p.m. in Port Alberni. RCMP allege the suspect was known to the victim.
The release said RCMP are recommending charges of attempted murder "based on the severity of the injuries. He (the suspect) was taken into police custody, where he remains."
The suspect was expected to appear in Nanaimo Provincial Court yesterday (Monday).