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Youbou man attacked with 'edged weapon'

Police say charges being sought against a Duncan man after argument victim suffers head injuries

A Youbou man is healing from head wounds suffered during a recent argument in a Youbou home, police say.

Lake Cowichan RCMP Sgt. Wes Olsen says while rumours of ax attack are false, an "edged weapon" believed used to hit the 43-year-old victim, has been seized.

Police aren't saying exactly what that suspect weapon is, other than it is not an ax nor a hatchet, his release says.

"Police continue to investigate this matter and, although an arrest has not been made, they are forwarding details of the incident to the provincial Crown attorney for a decision on a charge recommendation against a 44-year-old Duncan male."

A package of data is going to Crown for potential charges of assault with a weapon, or assault causing bodily harm, Olsen told the News Leader Pictorial.

The complicated case has involved RCMP detectives with the general investigation section, he noted.

"Police had no clear idea of what occurred due to the victim being unable to supply information," Olsen told the Leader.

It all started Jan. 22 at about 5:55 p.m. when Lake Cowichan Mounties were called to help paramedics at a Youbou residence.

Cops found the injured man — whose name hasn't been released — with profusely bleeding heads wounds.

Police learned he had come to that house seeking help, but "was unable to assist police in telling them how or where he had received his injuries."

The victim was taken to Victoria General Hospital for treatment. He was released a day or two later, Olsen explained.

Investigation fingered a nearby, unoccupied house believed to have been the crime scene.

"Throughout that evening and the next day, police interviewed several people and were able to locate witnesses that indicated the victim was involved in an altercation at the residence located by police," Olsen says.

The sharp weapon, witnesses statements, and other evidence produced data headed to Crown lawyers.